Update on the Vancouver Grain Terminal Strike

Dear Minister MacKinnon,

RE: Labour Disruption of Grain Workers Union at bulk grain terminals in Vancouver

Pulse Canada is a national industry association that represents over 26,000 growers and 106 processor/exporters of peas, lentils, beans and chickpeas. Canada is the world’s largest producer and exporter of peas and lentils; accounting for over 30% of all global pulse trade.

The recent news that the Grain Workers Union (GWU) has given a strike notice and that a work stoppage could begin as early as September 24 at 07:00 is a significant concern for our sector. Strike action would result in severe disruptions for the export of grain through most bulk grain export terminals in Vancouver. Over 70% of Canada’s bulk grain is exported through Vancouver grain terminals, which represented 27 million tonnes of grain in the 2023/24 crop year.

For pulse crops, close to 100% of bulk peas and lentils move through Vancouver terminals - over 2.7 million tonnes in 2023/24. If this work stoppage occurs, it will cripple the bulk supply chain through the western corridor during the peak shipping season for grain and will cause widespread disruption to farmers, exporters and the international customers they serve. It will result in significant financial loss and the further tarnishing of Canada’s international reputation as a reliable supplier of grain.

Pulse Canada and its Members encourage the Government of Canada to take all necessary steps to ensure a labour disruption does not damage the Canadian pulse and special crop industry and the wider Canadian economy.

Sincerely,

Greg Cherewyk
President
Pulse Canada

cc: Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Hon. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Hon. Anita Anand, Minister of Transport
Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources
Hon. Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development