Statement from Canadian Chamber regarding the vote in the house of commons on Bill C-58

Today’s vote is bad news for Canada, for Canadian families, and for Canadian workers.

Last month, new research showed us that Canada is losing more hours worked to striking workers than it lost at any point during pandemic restrictions. And the government’s own discussion paper on this issue acknowledged that banning replacement workers is likely to mean more frequent strikes and lockouts.

This will exacerbate our productivity problem, further erode our global reputation, and keep us from simply getting things done.

If this bill becomes law, the next time a strike shuts down rail or air travel, cell service or credit card payments, or port operations that keep products on shelves and fresh produce in grocery stores, the costs to all Canadians will be higher – all because of the politicians’ decision to put politics ahead of Canadians’ best interests.

Perrin Beatty, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce