Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Agriculture.
It is reported that negotiations to end the labour dispute on the west coast have broken down. As the minister knows this is not the first time labour disputes on the west coast have completely disrupted the movement of resources and products to market, to the detriment and well-being of thousands of farmers on the prairies and other producers.
Is it the view of the minister and his department that grain handling should be declared an essential service? Has he made
strong representation to the minister responsible for labour, the Minister of Human Resources Development, on that position.