Joint statement by Canadian business associations on supply chain bottlenecks

Canada is a trade-dependent economy that relies on both exports and imports, as well as the efficient movement of goods within the country. As a result, well-functioning supply chains are critical to the welfare and economic vitality of the country. As associations representing numerous sectors across the Canadian economy, our members are facing the strain of a supply chain that is not functioning. The increasing cost of doing business is hurting our economic recovery. We ask for urgent action to address this situation. 

Vaccination rules for truck drivers

Canadian businesses continue to support vaccinations as a critical tool in the fight against COVID. However, given current vaccination rates amongst truckers, the January 15^th Canadian deadline for truckers to be vaccinated to cross the border poses serious risks for the resilience of our supply chain. It will also seriously aggravate the existing truck driver shortage and lead to price increases that will hurt the Canadian economy and consumers.

We call on the government to delay the deadline for mandatory vaccination and work with businesses to find a revised timeline that minimizes supply chain impacts.

Government of Canada – business task force on supply chains

Shipping container backlogs, labour shortages at various points of the supply chain, and extreme weather disasters are continuing to strain supply chains. While the remedies involve both short and long-term solutions, it is a complex situation. Partnership and dialogue between government and the private sector are critical to work through these complexities.   

We call on the government to establish a joint task force with business leaders to identify and implement solutions that can increase supply chain resilience.   

Protecting the business environment

As the engines of job creation and economic growth, businesses need to be able to operate within a competitive environment. However, lingering challenges remain over increased regulation that may hurt growth. 

We call on the government to delay the implementation of any non-essential regulations that would strain the supply chain. 

Our associations stand ready to work with the government to address these issues with the urgency necessary to ensure we successfully navigate through this recovery period and into a period of economic growth.