Canada’s supply chain has been encumbered by a nationwide protest in support of the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs’ dispute over the construction of Coastal Gas Link pipeline in northern British Columbia. This, falling on the heals of recent mudslides, derailments and the Coronavirus outbreak, has led to one of the most challenging winters for Canadian importers and exporters.
This morning CN service was restored to Prince Rupert after hundreds of train runs were cancelled over the week. The relief comes shortly after the letter from the BC Premier to the Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs. The CP intermodal yard in Pitt Meadows was closed temporarily this morning and many travellers across the country continue to be disrupted as commuter trains are shutdown as a result of blockades.
Confusion remains on how the federal and provincial governments plan to bring stability back to Canada’s supply chain. Needless to say, that unless there is a long-term meaningful resolution, other major projects are vulnerable along with all Canadian businesses and communities that rely on the national transportation system.
The Chamber of Shipping met with the Deputy Minister of Transport this week, and partnered with the BC Maritime Employers Association and BC Marine Terminal Operators Associates to release a joint statement urging the Canadian Government to take actions to restore Canada’s supply chain. This has garnered a fair amount of media attention.
