Communications

MEDIA STATEMENT

(OTTAWA, ON – September 24, 2024) Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is deeply concerned with the impending Grain Workers Union (GWU) Local 333 strike at the Port of Vancouver, which would stop all shipments of bulk grain. Grain farmers in the prairies rely heavily on the Port of Vancouver to handle and export the majority of the grain they grow. In fact, last year terminal elevators at the Port of Vancouver received roughly 52% of all grain produced from across Canada, underscoring the critical role these terminals play in our agricultural supply chain.

Following last month’s rail work stoppages, this strike will have an equally devastating impact on grain farmers across the prairies who are in the midst of harvest. Data from the Canadian Grain Commission indicates that this work stoppage will halt nearly 100,000 metric tonnes of grain arriving at these terminals per day, resulting in a loss of $35 million in potential exports daily.

GGC is calling on the federal government and Minister of Labour, Steven MacKinnon, to use all tools available to them to ensure parties reach an agreement before a work stoppage occurs. Without intervention, Canada’s international trading reputation will continue to suffer, leading to the loss of key global markets and customers.

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For more information:

Hana Sabah
Communications Manager
P: (514) 834-8841
E: hana@graingrowers.ca