Ottawa Board of Trade joins business groups to raise concerns about rail strike
Ottawa - August 22, 2024 - The Ottawa Board of Trade (OBOT) joins our partners at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Global Cities Council (CGCC), and several business groups in calling on the federal government to use every possible measure to avoid a prolonged rail strike and support a resolution to this serious economic issue.
OBOT and the CGCC, a coalition of eight of Canada’s largest urban Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade, sent a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau to express our deep concerns regarding the economic impact a rail strike could have. Read our letter.
With 43,4611 route-kilometers of track across the country, Canada’s rail system is one of the most efficient, safe and cost-effective transportation systems in the world and pivotal to how our nation, and its economy, functions. It is estimated goods valued at $1.04 billion moves by rail every day in Canada, a total of $380 billion per year. In 2022, through a network of intermodal terminals, railways helped to deliver $200 billion worth of Canadian exports to markets across North America and around the globe.
Much of our nation’s trade, as well as essential goods vital to everyday life, rely heavily on our vast rail transportation. From coast to coast, Canada’s railways serve as the lifeblood of our economy, facilitating the movement of goods essential to both domestic and international commerce. Any interruption to this vital artery threatens to destabilize not only our economy but also our global reputation as a reliable trading partner.
While we respect the right to collective bargaining, Canada’s economy and supply chains simply cannot afford to face the consequences of a rail strike. We urge the federal government to show decisive leadership in averting the catastrophic consequences of a rail work stoppage.
About the Ottawa Board of Trade
The Ottawa Board of Trade is the voice of business and a key economic partner in the National Capital Region. Our mission is to cultivate a thriving world class business community. One that drives affordable, inclusive, and sustainable city building. We are champions of Ottawa as the best place to live, work, play, learn, visit, and invest. For information, visit www.ottawabot.ca.