Vancouver, BC – Tim McEwan, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs at the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) made the following statement in relation to the work stoppage at CPKC and CN Railways:
“The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) is concerned about the work stoppages at CPKC and CN Railways.
“MABC represents seventeen operating mines and two world class smelters in British Columbia which are major users of Canada’s railways and ports and the largest shippers by volume for both rail and marine modes of transportation. British Columbia mineral and metal products are exported to the United States, Japan, South Korea, and India (among others), accounting for 28 per cent (or $18 billion) of the total value of BC’s goods exports in 2022.
“When mines and smelters are forced to curtail operations during a strike or lockout at our two national railways, impacts are felt not only by thousands of direct employees, but also many of the 4,000 small, medium and Indigenous businesses and suppliers who depend on our industry in communities across the province.
“Given the scope of British Columbia’s mining and metals sector, the supply chain disruptions and economic repercussions for British Columbia will be substantial. We urge federal Minister of Labour and Seniors Services, Honourable Steven MacKinnon, to use all measures at his disposal to end the work stoppages.”
About the Mining Association of British Columbia
MABC is the voice of the British Columbia’s steelmaking coal, metal and mineral producers, smelters and advanced development companies. Our industry benefits all British Columbians and supports more than 35,000 jobs and nearly 4,000 small, medium, and First Nation affiliated businesses in every corner of the province through an annual spend of $3.7 billion on goods and services. Our members’ products have among the lowest carbon footprints globally and are helping the world transition to a cleaner, low-carbon future; safely and responsibly.
For more information
Jayne Czarnocki
Director, Communications
Mining Association of British Columbia
Cell: 778-957-2597
Email: jczarnocki@mining.bc.ca
