The Langley Chamber has joined chambers of commerce, boards of trade, and industry associations from across Canada in urging the federal government to take action to ensure long-term labour stability at B.C.’s West Coast ports.

The business community is calling for a B.C-wide geographic certification model for longshore labour negotiations — a key recommendation of the federal Industrial Inquiry Commission established after repeated port shutdowns in 2023 and 2024. This approach would prevent fragmented bargaining and reduce the risk of future disruptive labour disputes that stall trade, delay imports and exports, and damage Canada’s global reputation.

Recent shutdowns at West Coast ports halted billions of dollars in cargo movement, caused significant supply chain uncertainty, and placed enormous costs on businesses and consumers. With another round of labour negotiations approaching, a proactive solution is needed to protect employers, workers, and Canada’s trade-dependent economy.

Why This Matters for Langley

Langley businesses — from manufacturers and importers to retailers and agriculture operators — rely on stable port operations. Supply chain disruptions and delays directly impact local jobs, business planning, and our region’s competitiveness.

Reliable port operations are essential to ensuring that goods move efficiently, costs remain stable, and Canadian companies maintain access to global markets.

Read the Letter: