Canadian Pacific (CPKC) Rail Yard in Port Coquitlam, BC.
(TRI-CITIES) August 19, 2024 — The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce is urging our local Members of Parliament to immediately intervene and do everything necessary to avert a disruption in Canada's Class I railways, after urging the Prime Minister to do the same.
The Chamber's letters state the potential work stoppage at both major railways will not only damage our international reputation and relationship with our trading partners, but it will leave our local communities and all Canadians with access to fewer goods and products, driving up prices and exacerbating affordability challenges. Perishable food could be lost, and public health would be at risk due to a disrupted supply of water treatment chemicals like chlorine.
TransLink's West Coast Express could also cease operations during this potential labour disruption, as it operates on tracks owned by CPKC, stranding 6,000 commuters per work day.
Earlier this month, the Tri-Cities Chamber joined more than 115 chambers of commerce, boards of trade, and associations across Canada to express deep concern over a potential work stoppage at our country's major railways in a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Ministers Steven MacKinnon and Pablo Rodriguez.
Read the Tri-Cities Chamber letter to Coquitlam – Port Coquitlam MP Ron McKinnon here.
Read the Tri-Cities Chamber letter to Port Moody – Coquitlam MP Bonita Zarrillo here.
Read the joint letter to PM Trudeau and Ministers and view the signatories here.
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Since 1971, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has been the largest business association serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, and Belcarra, now representing 1,300+ organizations from every sector. The Chamber works to foster economic development, provide connections and benefits, and influence public policy at all levels of government to ensure strong business and strong communities. The Tri-Cities Chamber is an active member of the BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce.
For more information, contact:
Leslie Courchesne, Chief Executive Officer
Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
ceo@tricitieschamber.com
604.468.6870