Moe speaks out against possible CP Rail labour disruption

He thinks the federal government needs to take immediate action to make sure that trains keep running.

He called on it to get back-to-work legislation ready as soon as possible so that it can be used in the case of a strike or lockout.

He also wants it to designate railroads as essential services, so that the government can step in more easily in future disputes.

“So that we don’t have to revisit this conversation every time there’s an impact on a landlocked province like Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba (or) parts of Ontario that rely on this rail service for the success and functioning of our communities in our province,” Moe said.

He pointed out that products like grain, potash and oil are moved by train, something that’s important to Saskatchewan’s economy.

But it’s not just this province.

“In some ways, it’s also connected not only to us in Canada … We saw the other day one of our potash companies, Nutrien, is increasing their supply by about 20 per cent to offset some of the world potash demand, and so countries (are) not looking to Russia to buy their potash,” he said. “That has to go out by rail.”

Moe went on to elaborate on just how important moving goods by train is, especially during the war in Ukraine. He said it can be busy even during normal times.

“We have a restriction with respect to pipelines on the oil side, and so we do (always) have increased pressure on our rail lines,” he said.

Gormley asked Moe about Saskatchewan’s ability to get more oil and grain to market during the shortages.

“We do have the ability to supply it, as long as we have rail access to get that product out,” Moe said.

by CJME News

Moe speaks out against possible CP Rail labour disruption

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