Federal government moves to end port strikes, orders binding arbitration [Video]

Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon is intervening to end the work stoppages at ports in both British Columbia and Montreal.

The minister said Tuesday the negotiations have reached an impasse and he is directing the Canada Industrial Relations Board to order the resumption of all operations at the ports and move the talks to binding arbitration.

He said the work stoppages at the ports of British Columbia and the Port of Montreal are significantly impacting supply chains, thousands of jobs, and Canada’s reputation as a reliable trading partner.

“Negotiated agreements are the best way forward, but we not must allow other Canadians to suffer when certain parties do not fulfil their responsibility to reach an agreement,” MacKinnon said in a statement.

“It is my duty and responsibility to act in the interest of businesses, workers, farmers, families and all Canadians.”

Business groups had been calling for government intervention to get the …