38th PARLIAMENT, 1st SESSION
EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 055
CONTENTS
Friday, February 11, 2005

Canadian National Railway
Mr. Ed Komarnicki (Souris—Moose Mountain, CPC): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Labour and Housing. The employees of CN and the Teamsters rail union are in a legal strike position.

The Canada Labour Code requires the parties to have an agreement in place to specify the supply of services during the strike to prevent an immediate and serious danger to the safety and health of the public. The agreement the parties have fails to do so. The minister has applied to Industrial Relations Board to set the services.

What services is the minister requesting be provided during the strike and how will this impact on the economic interests of farmers, grain companies and other businesses?

Hon. Joe Fontana (Minister of Labour and Housing, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member has just mentioned, I referred the issue of the maintenance of service to the CIRB and in due course it will make that decision.

I should also point out to the hon. member and the House that CN and the employees are at the mediation table. They have taken up the offer and therefore they are in mediation. We hope those mediation services are positive and fruitful and that we can come to an agreement with regard to both parties.