Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Erin O’Toole, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives and the Official Opposition, issued the following statement on the strike at the Port of Montreal:

“Yesterday, the Port of Montreal went on strike. Despite seven months of notice, the Liberal government failed to facilitate a negotiated settlement during that time.

“Just last year, a 19-day stoppage at the Port of Montreal is estimated to have cost $600 million dollars. Canada is already in a recession and facing one of the highest unemployment rates in the G7 – workers and businesses cannot afford a work disruption at the Port of Montreal.

“Because of Justin Trudeau’s failure to get a deal done, jobs and contracts are at risk, and millions of dollars will be lost.

“Canada’s Conservatives believe that a general strike at an essential port should be avoided during a pandemic for the good of Canadians, port workers of all sectors, and businesses.

“We will be supporting legislation to keep this essential port open, but it shouldn’t have to come to this. We are in this situation today because of Justin Trudeau’s failure.”