The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) expressed relief at the news that Canadian Pacific Railway Limited and TCRC-T&E have reached a tentative four-year agreement and commends the work of federal negotiators and, in particular, the leadership of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, the Honourable Patricia Hajdu.
“The impacts of a one-day strike will be manageable for Canada’s mining sector and intervention by the federal government in support of quick resolution avoids harm to Canada’s reputation as a reliable exporter,” said Pierre Gratton, MAC’s President and CEO.
A protracted labour dispute would have led to painful rail service disruptions for Canadian mining companies and damaged Canada’s reputation as a reliable trading partner, and the national economy.
According to MAC’s latest Facts & Figures report, the Canadian mining industry accounts for over 50% of the freight revenues of Canada’s rail system yearly. The industry is also a key economic driver for the country having contributed $58 billion to Canada’s GDP, employed directly and indirectly 596,000 workers, and accounted for 19% (>$88 billion) of the total overall value of Canada’s exports.
-30-
About MAC
The Mining Association of Canada is the national organization for the Canadian mining industry. Its members account for most of Canada’s production of base and precious metals, uranium, diamonds, metallurgical coal, mined oil sands and industrial minerals and are actively engaged in mineral exploration, mining, smelting, refining and semi-fabrication. Please visit www.mining.ca.
For more information, please contact:
Geoff Smith
(613) 233-9392 x325 or gsmith@mining.ca
