Pulse Canada is a national industry association that represents over 26,000 growers and 100 processor/exporters of peas, lentils, beans and chickpeas. Canada is the world’s largest producer and exporter of peas and lentils, accounting for over 1/3rd of all global pulse trade.
The proposed strike action by the Longshore Workers Union CUPE Local 375 in Montreal is a significant concern for our sector. Montreal is an important export gateway for the pulse and special crop sector; approximately 500,000 tonnes of pulses and special crops move through its terminals each grain year. The planned strike at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals will create significant uncertainty for our sector’s supply chains during our peak export season, when over 1000 containers of pulse and special crops will be moving through the port. A strike will result in financial losses for the sector and damage to Canada’s reputation for delivering high quality pulse and special crops on a consistent and reliable basis.
Pulse Canada and its members encourage the Government of Canada to take all necessary steps to prevent labour disruptions at the Port of Montreal, including re-offering a special mediator to the parties to support the negotiations. All efforts should focus on ending the labour uncertainty and limiting the damage to the Canadian pulse and special crop industry and the wider Canadian economy.
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