By Alice McFarlane

Fertilizer Canada calls for quick resolution to St. Lawrence Seaway Strike

Oct 23, 2023 | 4:24 PM

Fertilizer Canada is calling on the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) and Unifor to promptly come to an agreement to end the strike that has shut down the St. Lawrence Seaway.

On Oct. 18, Unifor members working for the SLSMC filed a 72-hour strike notification indicating intention to strike on Oct. 22.

Fall is a crucial time in Eastern Canada for the import of fertilizer shipments in preparation for spring.

Fertilizer Canada President and CEO Karen Proud said ensuring fertilizer is available to farmers for spring application is essential to protect crop yields and food security.

“The fertilizer industry depends on reliable supply chains to get our products to farmers,” Proud said. “Any disruption to the supply chain, even for a day or two, impedes our industry’s ability to deliver products in a timely manner.”

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Proud stated they respect the collective bargaining process but shutting down the St. Lawrence Seaway will have damaging impacts on Canada’s economy with this being the second labour dispute in the last four months that has shut down Canadian ports.

“This strike is one of many disruptions we have seen recently and underscores the importance of strengthening Canada’s supply chains,” Proud said. “Once this labour disruption is resolved, the government needs to accelerate the recommendations of the 2022 National Supply Chain Task Force, which includes addressing systemic labour-dispute delays.”

The Canadian fertilizer industry relies on the St. Lawrence Seaway for the movement of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash products, three nutrients that play a fundamental role in plant growth.

Each year there are over 190,000 Canadian farmers who depend on the fertilizer supply chain in the St. Lawrence Seaway to sustainably grow their crops.

Proud said geopolitical events, like the war in Ukraine, have put pressure on the global fertilizer supply, and dependable supply chains are essential to Canada’s reputation as a reliable and stable trading partner.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW