Good afternoon.
Madam Chair, committee members, on behalf of the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association, or CIFFA, I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today.
CIFFA is keenly interested in measures to enhance and protect our national supply chains. Our membership represents all parts of the chain, including the truckers who serve the ports, called drayage operators; the brokers and forwarders, who manage 80% of Canada's imports and exports; the customs brokers, who facilitate shipping through national borders across the world; and operators of warehouses, where goods are stored awaiting release, assembly and distribution.
We really appreciate the committee's decision to invest time in this subject. Supply chain issues are a critical factor in our national economy. In your study, CIFFA suggests several topics we believe you should carefully examine. Of course, we're ready to discuss any other item that may be raised as well.
Labour disruption in the ports and railways has been a chronic problem in our country, significantly impacting our reputation as a reliable trading partner. Our economy took a major hit last summer due to the west coast port strikes. Although resolved with the longshoremen, the agreement with the foremen of these individuals is not, and we could be experiencing another disruption this month. We continue to experience ongoing challenges between the parties in Montreal and could be faced with another work stoppage at any time, with only 72 hours' advance notice.
Additionally, both railways are also in a mediation process that could lead to strike action later this month, on May 22. We have received notice from the railways indicating the negotiating parties remain far apart. We have also been informed that in the event of a strike, commuter train services in three major cities will also be disrupted.
Canada is suffering a very serious decline in investment, and this is why: We have an unreliable business environment and we seem to be unable to create an efficient resolution system. These disruptions may close a port for just a couple of days, but the system doesn't bounce back very quickly. It takes weeks to gear up to full capacity again.
The labour minister has promised a study on the key issues in port labour, and we are impatient to see this. Any thoughts on how Canadian labour issues could be resolved with less confrontation and fewer delays would be very welcome, but now we understand that the minister's study may take another couple of years.
As you know, workers often get their lost wages back upon settlement, and the international shipping companies divert traffic to keep it flowing. It's the ordinary Canadian citizens and small businesses that actually suffer.