As the CN Rail strike enters it’s second week without an end in sight, the effects are starting to ripple out into other sectors of the economy..And that means layoffs..But a Calgary-based pipeline company has stepped forward to help to try and get propane to Quebec, where they are facing a critical shortage because of the strike..From grain ships waiting for the loads off B.C., to potash mines in the prairies, Canadian companies are trying to come to grips with the strike by 3,200 CN workers..Provincial leaders, including in Alberta and Quebec, have urged Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to recall Parliament early to pass back-to-work legislation..If Trudeau waits until the scheduled Dec. 5 return date, economists have said the Canadian economy will take a more-than $3-billion hit..The federal government has said they prefer a negotiated settlement..On Monday, hundreds of farmers took to to the street in front of the Prime Minister’s Office in Ottawa to protest lack of action on the file..To help make their point, the farmers brought about 20 tractors with them..Reuters reported Monday that 21 empty ships were parked off Vancover while and nine were waiting in Prince Rupert..The Canadian Press said the strike has cost scores of Halifax rail workers their jobs.Nutrien Ltd said it was set to shut down its largest potash mine, Rocanville, because of the CN strike..Quebec has been hard hit by the strike which started last Tuesday because of a shortage of propane. The province last Wednesday start to ration propane with hospitals and old age homes getting priority..Now, Calgary-based Pembina Pipeline is trying to help..In a statement Pembina said what they are doing ” is driven by doing what is right for the country and fellow Canadians..“Delivery of energy is vital to people’s everyday lives and that’s why we’re in this business. Working together across provincial boundaries and helping a province and people in need is how we do business at Pembina and in Alberta,” said Jaret Sprott, Senior Vice President & COO, Facilities..“We believe the provinces can work together in the spirit of unity to secure a safe, reliable and long-term supply of energy from each other, rather than from foreign countries who do not share Canadian values,” the company said in its release..Pembina is preparing unit trains, comprising up to 105 cars, with propane sourced from Western Canada, by Canadian producers at Pembina’s Redwater, Alberta facility..…More to come.dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com
