Canada’s BC Council of Forest Industries Vice President & Chief Economist Kurt Niquidet issued a media statement to express concerns about the serious economic implications of the impending railway strikes. Source: Timberbiz
“The BC Council of Forest Industries calls for all parties – employers, unions, and the federal government – to consider the far-reaching consequences of a railway shutdown and to work urgently towards a resolution,” he said.
“Rail transportation is the backbone of our industry, enabling the movement of lumber, pulp, and paper products across North America and to global markets. The potential disruption of these services poses a severe risk to the forest sector and the economic stability of forestry-dependent communities across the province. A simultaneous work stoppage at CN and CPKC could result in tens of millions of dollars in weekly losses for the forest products manufacturing sector.”
Mr Niquidet emphasized that the majority of the forest sector’s products rely on rail transport, particularly for exports to the United States.
“Within the first week of a strike, we could face widespread mill curtailments, further threatening jobs and economic activity in our communities.
“The impacts of a rail shutdown will extend far beyond our industry. The broader economic fallout on British Columbia could be devastating, disrupting the flow of goods, triggering job losses, and creating profound uncertainty in the rural communities that are the backbone of our sector. This situation underscores the critical importance of maintaining a reliable and uninterrupted transportation network to safeguard Canada’s competitive position in global markets.
“Natural resources are the lifeblood of Canada’s economy, and our railways are the arteries that keep this lifeblood flowing. Any interruption to this essential infrastructure risks bringing our economy to a halt, with workers and communities bearing the brunt of the impact.
“We urge all parties to find an immediate resolution.”
