Potash fertilizer among the hardest-hit commodities at B.C. ports lockout
The BC Maritime Employers Association said its lockout of more than 700 unionized workers that has shut down ports across the province would not affect grain or cruise operations.
However, the potash fertilizer industry says it will be severely impacted by the work stoppage and Fertilizer Canada is urging the government to legislate changes that would oblige service provisions to continue during strike or lockout in longshoring.
President and CEO of Fertilizer Canada Karen Proud said fertilizer is essential to food security and the stoppage will have a devastating impact on Canada’s potash industry.
“Our overseas customers depend on us to deliver this crucial input. If we cannot supply them with Canadian-produced fertilizer, they will look to other countries, such as Russia and Belarus, who operate with far fewer environmental, safety and ethical protections,” Proud said. “The time to act is now. We need the government to step up and strengthen our supply chains.”