No. H168/05
For release July 29, 2005

THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
TAKES ACTION TO FACILITATE NEGOTIATIONS
IN THE BRITISH COLUMBIA TRUCKING DISPUTE

OTTAWA — Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre, together with Industry Minister David Emerson, today announced federal action to facilitate the negotiated settlement of the trucking dispute at the Port of Vancouver and other ports in British Columbia.

Cabinet has approved action under section 47 of the Canada Transportation Act, which establishes a special and time-limited opportunity of 90 days for the parties and other interested groups to discuss and develop an agreement without risking violation of the Competition Act.

"This is a commercial dispute that requires a commercial solution," said Mr. Lapierre. "However, the Government of Canada is taking this step to help facilitate the process and to protect the public interest."

"This dispute is increasingly having an impact on port and business operations," added Mr. Emerson. "It is imperative that the parties reach an agreement and normal operations resume at the port and in other affected regions. We continue to work with all parties to reach a resolution."

British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell stressed the importance of keeping the port system operating and maintaining the competitive integrity of the Pacific transportation gateway. "The province will work in cooperation with the Government of Canada to help solve the commercial dispute now seriously disrupting the Port of Vancouver," said Mr. Campbell.

The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia remain committed to taking action, as necessary, to support short- and long-term solutions to issues raised during this dispute.

The Minister of Transport, in collaboration with the ministers of labour and industry and the Province of British Columbia, will therefore establish a task force to review transportation and industrial relations issues underlying this dispute. The task force will be asked to present recommendations within 90 days.

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