Proposed labour law changes put 'national interest' as condition to end strikes
The bill would require a national-interest finding and a public mediator’s report before Ottawa can end a strike under Section 107.
- On Monday, Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu introduced the Building Canada Strong Act , which imposes a "national interest" test on the labour minister before invoking Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code.
- Ottawa has historically utilized Section 107 to end walkouts at Canada Post, the CN and CPKC railways, and ports in Montreal and British Columbia, prompting calls for more transparent strike-resolution processes.
- Beyond the new test, the bill mandates "relationship repair work" during stoppages and funds 26 new Canada Industrial Relations Board workers and 100 health and safety officers to increase inspection capacity.
- Canadian Labour Congress president Bea Bruske warned that allowing intervention based on "economic impact" weakens collective bargaining, arguing the changes grant the government power to terminate strikes unilaterally.
- NDP Leader Avi Lewis criticized the act as an attempt to advance unpopular economic policies, while Liberal ministers framed it as a necessary response to United States trade aggression.
51 Articles
51 Articles
Federal Employment Minister Patty Hajdu states that she cannot give a "general answer" as to when the federal government would intervene to put an end to a strike or lockout under the Labour Bill tabled on Monday.
Winnipeg Free Press
No 'blanket answer' on when Ottawa would end strikes under proposed changes: Hajdu
OTTAWA - The federal jobs minister says she can't give a
The Toronto Star
No ‘blanket answer’ on when Ottawa would end strikes under proposed changes: Hajdu
OTTAWA - The federal jobs minister says she can't give a "blanket answer" on when the federal government would move to end a strike or lockout under the new labour
Steelworkers say right to strike is a red line in federal Labour Code changes
TORONTO, Sept. 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — United Steelworkers union National Director Marty Warren issued the following statement on proposed changes to the Canada Labour Code: “Workers built this country, and workers will build what comes next. But Canada cannot build a stronger economy by weakening the fundamental rights of the people who make our […]
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