Canada's Railways Face Potential Work Stoppage

Canada is facing a potential work stoppage at its two largest freight railways, Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), starting Thursday unless a labor deal is reached with the Teamsters union, which represents over 9,000 rail workers. This disruption could severely impact supply chains, affecting the movement of approximately $732 million worth of goods daily, including vital exports like grains and potash. Preparations for the stoppage have already begun, with CPKC halting shipments across the border and CN turning away freight at U.S. ports. Additionally, commuter services in major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal could also see significant disruptions, as these cities rely on the same railway lines. While truckers may attempt to fill some gaps, experts warn they cannot fully compensate for the volume typically handled by rail. The outcome of negotiations remains crucial for both the economy and daily commutes in Canada.