Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has intervened in the ongoing port disputes in British Columbia and Montreal, sending the matters to binding arbitration and ordering an end to the lockouts. Both ports had issued lockouts due to stalled contract and wage negotiations, significantly impacting trade. The disputes, which halted an estimated $1.2 billion in trade daily, reached a “total impasse” before the government’s intervention. Operations are expected to resume within days as the Canada Industrial Relations Board facilitates the arbitration process.

A.N. Deringer, Inc. will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates. If you have questions regarding your shipments, please reach out to your A.N. Deringer, Inc. representative.

Sources: CBC & Freightwaves