OTTAWA — The Green Party of Canada expresses deep concern following Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon’s decision to send labour disputes at ports in Quebec and British Columbia to binding arbitration, ordering an immediate resumption of work. As ports in Montreal, Quebec, and Vancouver face continued disruptions, the Green Party emphasizes the importance of free collective bargaining and calls for greater accountability in Canada’s port authority system.
On Monday, MacKinnon announced he had directed the Canadian Industrial Relations Board to impose final and binding arbitration to settle the disputes, citing a "total impasse" in negotiations. The decision impacts approximately 1,200 dockworkers at the Port of Montreal, who recently voted overwhelmingly—99.7%—against the latest offer from the Maritime Employers Association (MEA), and workers in Vancouver dealing with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. Existing collective agreements will remain in effect until new agreements are finalized through arbitration.
“We stand firmly behind the right to free collective bargaining and urge the government to respect these rights,” said Leader Elizabeth May. “The current labour impasses at our ports underscore the critical need for better governance and accountability. The port authority system, as established under the Marine Act, lacks responsiveness to community concerns and operates at an arm’s length from government oversight, which only exacerbates these disputes.”
The Green Party calls for a re-evaluation of the "Port Authorities" model, introduced under the Mulroney government, that created arms-length port authorities. This system reduces accountability. Port authorities are not responsive to community concerns.
“The issues at our ports go beyond corporate interests or labour disputes alone,” May continued. “ While the NDP pins the blame on corporate greed, the issues are more complex. The Harbour Authorities operate without direct ministerial oversight, and wield significant lobbying power, as demonstrated by recent expansions at Vancouver’s Roberts Bank. This model of governance urgently needs reform to balance workers’ rights, community interests, and Canada’s economic needs in a transparent manner. In essence the Harbour Authorities operate as laws unto themselves.”
The Green Party is committed to advocating for policies that uphold labour rights and foster accountability within Canada’s essential infrastructure. As labour disputes persist at Canada’s ports, the Green Party urges the government to protect the rights of workers. We call on the government to launch a full review of whether the harbour authority model is fit for purpose in the 21st century.
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For more information or to arrange an interview :
Fabrice Lachance Nové
Press secretary
514-463-0021