Mr. Speaker, the type of labour management crisis crippling Canada's shipping industry happens all too frequently. This has to be prevented in the future.
This objective can be achieved without labour legislation. The government only has to declare existing railbeds a common carrier accessible to any railroad company. As a result, shippers can switch from the use of struck railroads to others that are still operating.
In addition, the government should remove all restrictions on the use of shipping routes. As a result, if the docks in one city are tied up in a labour dispute, docks in other cities can be used.
Under these conditions, labour disputes in the shipping industry will become extremely rare. The employers and workers know well what the market will bear. Industries hitherto protected from competition by government granted monopolies and regulation are exposed to the healthy winds of competition. They can no longer hold the Canadian public ransom.
I personally urge the Minister of Transport to propose such legislation and deregulation. It can be enacted quickly.