Mike Cattle

My thoughts on the potential stoppage on Canada's rail network. Like many Canadians, I am deeply concerned about the prospect of a work stoppage on our railroads starting this evening. A strike or lockout will have a devastating impact on workers and on the Canadian economy. Even a short disruption could take months to recover from. Prices could increase during an already-deep affordability crisis, and consumers could find it harder to get the products they need. The impact will be even greater in Alberta, as many of our exports require reliable rail transport to get to market. I’ve spent the last couple of days speaking with many folks with different perspectives on the dispute to better understand what’s happened and where we are. The best agreement is always a negotiated agreement, and I urge the parties to stay at the table in good faith and craft an agreement that keeps goods moving, and that ensures the safety of workers and of the communities that trains run through. Alberta’s New Democrats also urge the federal government to do everything in its power to help the parties stay at the table and make progress on a negotiated agreement. It’s also remarkably unhelpful for politicians to try and inflame the situation and make a negotiated settlement less likely as Premier Danielle Smith has done. Her call for back to work legislation nearly a week before any work stoppages could begin is not only likely illegal and unconstitutional, it shows a complete disregard for workers’ rights to make a deal with their employer and calls into question her ability to bargain ethically and in good faith. Albertans know that it’s possible to grow the economy while protecting good jobs; workers’ rights, and ensuring everyone’s safety. That’s what I believe in and I hope these values prevail. Let’s keep the trains on the tracks.