Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you for the question, Mr. Strahl.
First I'll say that there are a few reasons that it could not be used in respect of labour actions. First of all, the order, as it is written, can only be used to issue an order to a port authority or a port facility. It could not be used to order, for example, a labour group or a bargaining unit to return to work.
Second, the amendment is proposed under the Canada Marine Act. The purpose of this act is to legislate matters related to shipping and navigation within the lands and applicable waters of public ports and CPAs. The labour actions would fall outside the scope of the CMA.
Third, our understanding—and this is a conversation we have had internally—is that the order is subject to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which protects the freedom of association, including the right to unionize and to strike. The ministerial order would be subject to any provisions in respect of the charter.