Edmonton, AB—The Community Rail Advocacy Alliance (CRAA), which brings together more than 22 municipalities, industry associations, and regional economic development groups, is pleased with the recent announcement from the Government of Canada and the Minister of Labour, Steven MacKinnon, to force binding arbitration under Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code.
This is an important step that will resume negotiations between stakeholders and restart operations of Canada’s essential rail system. For us, rail service isn’t just about moving goods from Point A to B; it’s the true lifeline of our Canada, responsible for economic growth, prosperity, and community resiliency. We are relieved to see the Government of Canada recognize this through their binding arbitration decision.
As we look to the future, however, we must implement solutions that prevent this devastating situation from happening again. Our membership is calling for federal officials of all parties to take the necessary steps to amend the Canada Labour Code to include rail as an essential service.
It is now more evident than ever that rail service is essential to maintaining the health and safety of Canadians and the resiliency and strength of our economies. There is no better example of true essential infrastructure than the railway networks that cross our country from coast to coast, and the time to deem them essential in our legislation is now.
About the Community Rail Advocacy Alliance: The Community Rail Advocacy Alliance represents over 22 municipalities, industries, associations, and regions by bringing a united voice to government and the rail industry. We represent 300,000 Western Canadians across Alberta and the Northwest Territories and over 1,500 businesses.
For media inquiries
Kayla Doody
709-687-0744