Transportation

A looming national railway strike will have huge economic costs

MAPLE RIDGE, B.C. — A city councillor in Maple Ridge, B.C., worries about the potential shut down of the Lower Mainland's major commuter train in the event of a national rail stoppage. Coun.

MONTREAL — A looming work stoppage at Canada's two biggest railways could have widespread effects on everything from daily commutes to the movement of grain and fuel. Unless deals are reached, rail service at both Canadian National Railway Co.

An impending labour stoppage on Canada's two national railways has riled industry groups who worry consumers and businesses will be hit hard if goods ranging from grains to french fries to petrochemicals can't be moved. Canadian National Railway Co.

The local union representing the shared-ride service says customer service and working conditions have steadily declined under its current operator.

Canada has an active history of rail strikes dating back to at least the early 20th century. Here are some of the most recent job actions at the country's two main freight railways, Canadian National Railway Co. and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd.

OTTAWA — The Canada Border Services Agency says it has resolved a partial systems outage that affected customs processing at Canadian airports. The CBSA says in a post on X service has been restored but did not specify what caused the outage.

MONTREAL — More than 32,000 rail commuters across the country will have to find new routes to the office if a work stoppage kicks off at Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd. this week.

Enforcement patrols will be increased across the transit system.

MONTREAL — A potential work stoppage at Canada's two major railways this week would harm small companies — from mom-and-pop shops to outfits with scores of workers — the Canadian Federation of Independent Business says.