April 25, 2024

Canada launches inquiry commission on longshoring disputes at Canada's West Coast ports

The Government of Canada announced the appointment of an Industrial Inquiry Commission on the underlying issues in longshoring labour disputes at Canada's West Coast ports.

The Commission will examine with the active involvement of the parties, the structure, and the processes of collective bargaining between the British Columbia Maritime Employers Association (BCMEA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Canadian Area and recommend in a final report to the Minister of Labour whether any changes should be made and, if so, how they could be implemented, including through the application of or amendments to the Canada Labour Code provisions concerning the structures, rights, responsibilities, and obligations of parties to collective bargaining.

The Commission will soon begin meeting with stakeholders and reviewing consultation submissions from relevant parties. The Commission will present its findings and recommendations in a report to the Transport Minister in Spring 2025.

The appointment of an Industrial Inquiry Commission is made pursuant to the Minister of Labour's authority under section 108 of the Canada Labour Code.