Mackinnon directs Industrial Relations Board to mandate resumption of port operations amid stalled negotiations

Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has put an end to the work stoppages at Quebec and British Columbia ports by ordering binding and final arbitration. MacKinnon said on Tuesday the negotiations had hit an impasse and the economic and reputational damage to Canada as a reliable trade partner was in jeopardy.

Canada’s labor minister said Tuesday he is intervening to end lockouts at the country’s two biggest ports. Labor Minister Steven Mackinnon said the negotiations have reached an impasse and he is directing the Canada Industrial Relations Board to order the resumption of all operations at the ports and move the talks to binding arbitration.

Canadian Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon said on Tuesday he had directed the country's labor relations board to order an end to disputes at the ports of Vancouver and Montreal, citing the economic damage.

Canada's Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has sent labour disputes at ports in Quebec and British Columbia to binding arbitration and has ordered people back to work. He said his decision will bring 'the necessary resolutions for both workers and employers.

OTTAWA — Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon is intervening to end the work stoppages at ports in both British Columbia and Montreal.