TRCM Committee briefing binder: Appearance by the Minister of Job and Families – March 11, 2026

Overview

On October 28, 2025, TRCM launched its study on 'Maintenance of transport services in the case of labour disruptions.' The Minister of Jobs and Families was initially invited to appear and conclude the study on November 25, 2025. The Committee has since extended the invitation for her to appear in 2026 - reflecting their strong interest in hearing her perspective.

Below is the full reference for the study:

• "that the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications be authorized to examine and report on maintenance of activities or essential services in the federally regulated rail and marine sectors in the case of labour disruptions
• that, in particular, the committee should examine:
  1. how "immediate and serious danger to the safety or health of the public" is applied when determining when work is considered essential under section 87.4 of the Canada Labour Code, and the circumstances under which certain activities must be maintained in the event of a strike or lockout
  2. the impacts of labour disruptions on users of federally regulated rail and marine networks, on Canadian consumers, and on Canada's supply chains
  3. in light of these impacts, whether the transportation of certain goods on federally regulated transportation networks should be maintained in the event of a strike or lockout
  4. the recent use by the Minister of Labour of section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to refer labour disputes in federally regulated transportation sectors to the Canada Industrial Relations Board in order to maintain or secure industrial peace, and
  5. the use of section 107 of the Canada Labour Code by the Minister - instead of "back to work" legislation passed by both Houses of Parliament - as a means to end a labour disruption.
• that the committee be permitted, notwithstanding usual practices, to deposit reports on this study with the Clerk of the Senate if the Senate is not then sitting, and that the reports be deemed to have been tabled in the Senate; and
• that the committee submit its final report to the Senate no later than June 26, 2026, and that the committee retain all powers necessary to publicize its findings for 180 days after the tabling of the final report."

Committee Proceedings

During this appearance, the committee members, starting with the chair Senator Larry Smith (C, Quebec), will introduce themselves around the table and the Minister will be provided with five minutes to deliver opening remarks. The chair traditionally turns to the deputy chair, Senator Donna Dasko (ISG, Ontario), for the first question. Rounds of questions with each senator lasts approximately five minutes.

Senior officials in attendance will be:

• Rob Wright, Deputy Minister of Labour and Associate Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development
• Gary Robertson, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of Policy, Dispute Resolution and International Affairs

Parliamentary Environment

• Over seven hearings so far, TRCM has heard from the chair of the Canada Industrial Relations Board, the Honourable Lisa Raitt (former Minister of Labour and of Transport), the National Supply Chain Office (Transport Canada), representatives from major railway companies, mining industry representatives, union representatives such as Teamsters and the Canada Labour Congress, transportation associations and academics.
• TRCM has focused on labour disputes in Canada's rail sector and ports. Senators have been seized with the limitations of the Canada Labour Code, the use of Section 107, understanding the causes of labour disputes, Canada's reliability as an international trading partner in today's reality, while balancing the right to strike.

Topics Raised by Senators/Witnesses

• Actions to mitigate labour disruptions
• Ms. Raitt's recommendations to the committee:
  • broadening the definition of essential services to include economic security and supply chain integrity
  • require pre-emptive continuity plans for critical corridors
  • develop structured time-bound dispute resolution tools that protect the collective bargaining process but prevent the prolonged paralysis that can destabilize the broader economy, and
  • recognize all links in the supply chain contribute to Canada's competitiveness
• Reforming the Canada Labour Code with the adoption of a regime similar to the US Railway Labor Act to help avoid further labour disputes (the model is designed to slow down collective bargaining at every step in the process to reduce the likelihood of a strike)
• Amending Section 87 (maintenance of activities particularly) and Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code
• The introduction of special mediation processes
• The Ready and Rogers Industrial Inquiry Commission Report recommendations
• Skill set/background of CIRB members (such as a background in logistics)
• Succession planning of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
• Nutrien selecting Longview, Washington, for a new potash export terminal instead of a Canadian port, likely due to Canada's unreliable transportation sector

Larry W. Smith – Conservative (Quebec – Saurel) - Chair of the Committee

• Larry Smith is a widely-recognized and respected figure in Quebec. He graduated from Bishop's University with a bachelor of arts in economics in 1972, and a bachelor of civil law degree from McGill University in 1976. He is well-known in Montreal from his days as a fullback with the Montreal Alouettes from 1972 to 1980, and as President and Chief Executive Officer of the same team from 1997 to 2001 and again since 2004. Working tirelessly to promote professional and amateur football, Mr. Smith also served as Commissioner of the Canadian Football League (CFL) prior to his first term as Alouettes' President.
• Outside of football, Mr. Smith has served on a number of civic charitable boards, including as Co-President of the 2001 Montreal Centraide Campaign and on the board of the Canadian Olympic Committee. He also has extensive experience in the business world, including positions with John Labatt, Ltd., and Ogilvie Mills, Ltd., before becoming CFL Commissioner. In addition he served as president and publisher of The Montreal Gazette in 2002 and 2003.
• He has received numerous awards over the course of his careers, including the Commissioner's Award for outstanding service and dedication in promoting and preserving the CFL (2001), the 1994 American Marketing Association-Toronto chapter Marketer of the Year (consumer products) and Sports Personality of the Year at the Quebec Sports Gala (1998). Mr. Smith was inducted into the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame on September 30th, 2015 under the category of "Builder for Football".
• Mr. Smith resides in Hudson, Quebec, with his wife Leesa. They have three children and two grandchildren.
• Member of the following Committee(s):
  • Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications (Chair)
  • Standing Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration

Donna Dasko – Independent Senators Group (Ontario) - Deputy Chair of the Committee

• Donna Dasko is a respected national pollster, media commentator, sociologist, and private sector business leader with considerable public policy experience. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Arts from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Manitoba.
• Senator Dasko was formerly Senior Vice-President of Environics Research Group Ltd., and built the firm from a small consultancy to one of Canada's leading research firms. During her career, she led major research studies in areas including the economy, budget priorities, tobacco control, health promotion, national unity, and many others. She was a leader in developing media-sponsored polling including the Globe-Environics Poll and election and special feature polling for the CBC.
• She served in many roles including President of St. Stephen's Community House, Director of the United Way of Greater Toronto, Governor of the Canadian Unity Council (devoted to Canadian unity and federalism), Chair of the national CEO Roundtable for the Alzheimer Society, and Advisor to GreenPac (which promotes environmental leadership).
• Senator Dasko's passion for the promotion of women in politics has guided much of her advocacy. She is a Co-Founder and former National Chair of Equal Voice, a non-partisan organization aimed at electing more women in Canada. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Women's Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF), which promotes equality rights for women. In 2015, she co-founded the Campaign for an Equal Senate for Canada, an initiative to promote a gender-equal Senate. She works with National Democratic Institute on issues related to women in politics internationally.
• She is currently a Fellow at the University of Toronto's School of Public Policy and Governance and teaches in the Master's program. She is a member of Statistics Canada's Advisory Committee on Social Conditions.
• Member of the following Committee(s):
  • Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (SOCI)
  • Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence (SECD)
  • Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications (TRCM)

Fabian Manning – Conservative (Newfoundland and Labrador)

• Fabian Manning has dedicated his career to serving Newfoundlanders and Labradorians at all three levels of government. A three term councilor in the town of St. Brides, Mr. Manning served as coordinator for the Cape Shore Area Development Association for three years. Mr. Manning would go on to win three elections to the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly as the representative for Placentia - St. Mary's. Mr. Manning was subsequently elected as Member of Parliament in the federal constituency of Avalon in the 2006 Federal Election campaign. Mr. Manning would go on to chair both the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans as well as the Conservative Government's Atlantic caucus.
• Member of the following Committee(s):
  • Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (Chair)
  • Senate Standing Committee on Transport and Communications (TRCM)
  • Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (ENEV)
  • Standing Senate Committee on Human Rights (RIDR)

Dawn Arnold – Independent Senators Group (New Brunswick)

• Dawn Arnold is an accomplished public servant with over 30 years of experience in municipal government, community development, and publishing.
• Elected as Mayor of Moncton in 2016, Ms. Arnold made history as the first woman to hold this position. As Mayor, she championed public engagement and environmental sustainability, guiding Moncton toward rapid growth while fostering a vibrant, inclusive community.
• Prior to her election as Mayor, Ms. Arnold served as Councillor-at-Large with the City of Moncton from 2012 to 2016, earning a reputation for transparency and leadership in sustainable city-building.
• She also held key roles on several boards, including as Vice-Chair of the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick (Urban Caucus), Vice-Chair of Cities of New Brunswick, and Chair of Moncton's Downtown Revitalization Committee. She also worked as the Head of Trade Publishing at the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa, Ontario, where she published educational books and magazines.
• A passionate advocate for arts and culture, Ms. Arnold served as President of the Frye Festival for 15 years, celebrating French and English authors from Canada and around the world. She was also a board member of French for the Future, an organization that engages with youth across Canada to inspire confidence, leadership, and passion for the French language and Francophone cultures.
• Ms. Arnold is the recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including the Order of New Brunswick, the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters from the French government. She also earned accolades such as the Phenomenal Woman Award from Business & Professional Women of Greater Moncton, the Women of Influence in Local Government Award from Municipal World Magazine, and the YWCA Women of Distinction Award.
• Ms. Arnold holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Toronto and an ICD.D Designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
• Member of the following Committee(s):
  • Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications (TRCM)
  • Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (SOCI)

Farah Mohamed – Independent Senators Group (Ontario)

• Farah Mohamed was appointed to the Senate of Canada on March 7, 2025. She is a charitable sector leader, advocate, and public speaker with over 30 years of experience in addressing systemic inequities in Canada and around the world.
• Ms. Mohamed is a refugee from Uganda whose journey inspired her lifelong commitment to advocating for the most vulnerable. Until her appointment, she served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of The King's Trust Canada, a charity founded by His Majesty King Charles III to help young people find meaningful employment.
• Ms. Mohamed has served as the CEO of the Malala Fund, where she led global efforts to further Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai's mission to educate millions of girls. She founded FORA, formerly known as G(irls)20, to encourage world leaders to recognize the impact on a country's GDP of educating girls and employing women.
• Ms. Mohamed currently serves on the Board of Directors for RefugePoint and the Harbourfront Centre and is an advisor for Apolitical. She has also been an independent director for various charitable organizations, including the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Ontario Science Centre, Canadian Club of Toronto, Cameras for Girls and Music Canada.
• In recognition of her contributions, Ms. Mohamed has received numerous awards and distinctions, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, The King Charles's III Coronation Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. She has also been recognized as one of BBC's Top 100 Women and one of Forbes' Forty Women to Watch Over 40, Top Canadian Immigrant and Top 25 Women of Influence.
• Ms. Mohamed holds a Bachelor of Arts from Queen's University and a Master of Arts and Honorary Doctor of Laws from Western University.
• Member of the following Committee(s):
  • Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications (TRCM)
  • Subcommittee on Senate Estimates and Committee Budgets

Paula Simons – Independent Senators Group (Alberta)

• Appointed to the Senate of Canada in 2018, Senator Paula Simons has been a CBC radio producer and documentary maker, a playwright, and a popular historian. She spent 23 years as a reporter and political columnist with the Edmonton Journal, winning two National Newspaper Awards, one for investigative journalism and one for column-writing. She earned a further six National Newspaper Award citations of merit for her columns and editorials on Alberta politics and culture.
• Her journalism has also been recognized with awards from the UNESCO Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom, Journalists for Human Rights, the Alberta Centre for Civil Liberties Research, the Canadian Bar Association, the American Society for Features Journalism and the Edmonton Historical Board.
• In 2021, Senator Simons was nominated for her first National Magazine Award, for her regular column, On Second Thought, which appears in Alberta Views magazine. She is also the host of her own political podcast, Alberta Unbound.
• In the last parliament, Senator Simons served as the Deputy Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, as a member of the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications and as a member of the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.
• Born and raised in Edmonton, Senator Simons holds a B.A. (Hon) from the University of Alberta, and a Master's degree from Stanford University. She lives in Edmonton with her husband.
• Member of the following Committee(s):
  • Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications (TRCM)
  • Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs (LCJC)

Julie Miville-Dechêne – Progressive Senators Group (Quebec - Inkerman)

• Julie Miville-Dechêne was a journalist, a senior public servant, and is a strong voice for gender equality and women's rights. She holds a graduate degree in conflict prevention and resolution from the Université de Sherbrooke, a Master's Degree in journalism from Columbia University, and a Bachelor's Degree in political science from the Université du Québec à Montréal.
• For more than 25 years, Senator Miville-Dechêne was a journalist at Radio-Canada, working as a news service and public affairs program correspondent in Washington, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montréal. In 2007, she became the first woman appointed to the position of ombudsman for Radio-Canada.
• In 2011, she was named Chair of the Quebec government's Conseil du statut de la femme. In that capacity, she advised the government and contributed to numerous research reports on gender equality issues. Senator Miville-Dechêne then served as the Quebec's representative in the Permanent Delegation of Canada to UNESCO, and was appointed by the Quebec government as envoy for human rights and freedoms in 2017.
• Senator Miville-Dechêne is the recipient of the Reconnaissance UQAM Award, the Raymond-Charette Award for the exceptional quality of her French in broadcast journalism, and the New York Festivals Award for her report on children and terrorism, Les enfants et le terrorisme.
• Senator Miville-Dechêne is Co-Chair of the All-Party Group to Combat Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.
• Member of the following Committee(s):
  • Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (ENEV)
  • Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications (TRCM)
  • Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs (LCJC)

Duncan Wilson – Progressive Senators Group (British Columbia)

• Appointed to the Senate of Canada in February 2025, the Honourable Duncan Wilson represents British Columbia. Senator Wilson is an executive leader with more than three decades of experience developing strategy, advancing complex initiatives, and fostering collaboration in multi-interest environments. Recognized for his expertise in building trusted relationships across diverse groups, he has consistently delivered innovative solutions that balance economic growth, environmental protection, and social responsibility.
• From 2011 to 2024, Senator Wilson served as a member of the executive leadership team at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, where he led portfolios encompassing environment, government and Indigenous relations, as well as external affairs for Canada's largest port. A cornerstone of his work was building long-term partnerships with Indigenous communities, including the successful negotiation of landmark relationship agreements and project-specific collaborations that supported economic development and environmental stewardship. Under his leadership, the Port earned global recognition for its environmental stewardship and sustainability initiatives.
• Senator Wilson's career is underscored by a passion for public service and inclusion. He has been a trailblazer for 2SLGBTQIA+ representation, serving as one of British Columbia's first openly gay elected officials in the 1990s, when he served three consecutive terms as park commissioner. He is a past chair and long-serving member on the board of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and has served on other boards including of the Clear Seas Centre for Responsible Marine Shipping, which he founded. He has received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
• Senator Wilson holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Strategy from the University of Oxford, where he was awarded the Saïd Prize. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Liberal Arts Certificate from Simon Fraser University. A lifelong learner, he has completed the Advanced Management and Leadership Program at the University of Oxford and the Directors Education Program (ICD.D) at the Institute of Corporate Directors and Rotman Management School. He has also undertaken specialized executive training, including programs in negotiation, real estate and maritime transport.
• Senator Wilson has a keen interest in international trade, foreign affairs, transport and regulatory reform and wants to support Canada in seizing opportunities to achieve its full economic potential globally, in a manner that respects human rights, Indigenous reconciliation and the environment.
• Member of the following Committee(s):
  • Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications (TRCM)
  • Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade (AEFI)
  • Selection Committee

Réjean Aucoin – Canadian Senators Group (Nova Scotia)

• Réjean Aucoin practised law for more than 30 years and is a recognized leader in the Acadian community of Chéticamp and in the province of Nova Scotia. Prior to practising law, he worked as a journalist, radio producer, writer, and community development officer. From 2004 to 2007, he also served as a part-time board member of the Parole Board of Canada.
• His character-defining enthusiasm and convictions concerning the French-speaking Acadian community led him to establish the Association des juristes d'expression française de la Nouvelle-Écosse in 1994. Mr. Aucoin is also the founder and president of the Conseil économique de Chéticamp. Both organizations have fostered the development and vitality of the region's Acadian community. He has also served as vice-president of the Fédération des associations de juristes d'expression française de common law inc, vice-president of the Société nationale de l'Acadie, vice-president of the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse, vice-president of the Community Radio Fund of Canada, and president of the Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada. He also published several books; he is the recipient of the Prix France-Acadie for the children's book Le tapis du Grand Pré, which was made into a movie and won the prix d'excellence at the Festival du film de l'Atlantique in 1986.
• His work and his community engagement have won him numerous distinctions, including the 2017 Lawyer's Award of the Association des juristes d'expression française de la Nouvelle-Écosse, the Community Development Award from the Nova Scotia Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, and the community partner award of the Alliance des radios communautaires du Canada. He was named volunteer of the year by the Société Saint-Pierre de Chéticamp and recipient of the Léger Comeau certificate of merit from the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse. He was also nominated at the Ordre de la pléiade, Grade Chevalier.
• Mr. Aucoin was appointed King's Counsel in 2014. He holds a Bachelor of Social Work and a Bachelor of Laws from the Université de Moncton.
• He lives in Chéticamp with his wife, has 2 daughters and 1 grand child. He enjoys reading, cycling, cross country skiing and travelling.
• Member of the following Committee(s):
  • Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications (TRCM)
  • Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (ENEV)

Todd Lewis – Canadian Senators Group (Saskatchewan)

• The Honourable Todd Lewis has been a strong voice for the Saskatchewan agriculture industry and a dedicated community leader throughout his life. A farmer in Saskatchewan for over 40 years, he is the fourth generation to work on his family farm in Gray, just south of Regina.
• Senator Lewis has spent many years advocating for change and progress in the Saskatchewan agriculture industry. He served for five years as president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan and has sat on various committees and working groups. These include the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Environment Committee, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Crop Logistics Working Group, the board of directors of the Western Grains Research Foundation, and Saskatchewan's Provincial Water Advisory Group. He was first vice-president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and a member of the Canadian National Railway Agricultural Advisory Council.
• Senator Lewis has been an active member of his community for many years. Since 1975, he has volunteered at the Gray Cooperative Centre and the Gray Cooperative Hall. Previously, he served as a school board trustee and as president of the board for his community rink. He has also given back through his work as a volunteer firefighter and as a member of the board for the Riceton Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of Lajord's Municipal Council for more than 20 years, most recently serving as deputy reeve.
• Member of the following Committee(s):
  • Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications (TRCM)
  • Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources (ENEV)

Jim Quinn – Canadian Senators Group (New Brunswick)

• Jim Quinn was appointed as President & Chief Executive Officer of Saint John Port Authority in September 2010. Senator Quinn brought over 30 years of experience in the marine and public sectors to Port Saint John where he began his career on Coast Guard (CG) ships and oil tanker ships in 1973. In 1981 he rejoined the CG and in 1982 he moved to the CG headquarters in Ottawa where he was promoted to leadership positions including Regional Director of the Central and Arctic Region and Director General, Marine Programs. Senator Quinn's Coast Guard experience took him to ports across Canada and around the world.
• After 23 years with the Coast Guard, he joined the Privy Council Office's Machinery of Government Secretariat and Social Development Policy Secretariat as a Senior Advisor. In 2002, Senator Quinn joined Indian and Northern Affairs Canada as Director General of Lands and was promoted through several leadership positions culminating in the Chief Financial Officer/Assistant Deputy Minster role. He also held the position of Chief Financial Officer at the Canadian International Development Agency before leaving government to work at Port Saint John.
• Senator Quinn is a graduate of Dalhousie University (BSc) and holds the professional designation of Certified Management Accountant (CMA) - Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
• From 2019 to 2021, he served as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Association of Canada Port Authorities (ACPA). He served for several years as Chair of the Canadian Delegation at the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and was appointed Chairman of the Board for 2015 to 2016. Additionally, Senator Quinn is pleased to serve as Honorary Lieutenant Colonel for the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment (The Loyal Company), 5th division army. He is involved in a number of business committees in Saint John including several years as a Board member of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Saint John, serving as Board Chairperson in 2018-2019. He has been an active volunteer in his community including as a Board member of the Board of Directors for the Saint John Seafarers Mission from 2010 to 2021.
• Member of the following Committee(s):
  • Standing Senate Subcommittee on Diversity (DVSC)
  • Standing Senate Subcommittee on Human Resources Standing Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration (HRRH)
  • Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications (TRCM)

René Cormier – Independent Senators Group (New Brunswick)

• The Honourable René Cormier joined the Senate of Canada on November 15, 2016, as an independent, non-partisan senator from New Brunswick. He has extensive professional experience in arts and culture. Educated in music at l'Université du Québec à Montréal and in theatre at l'École internationale Jacques LeCoq, in Paris, this multidisciplinary artist has held a number of positions within Canada's cultural ecosystem, including that of artistic director, director, actor, musician, composer, cultural manager, and announcer.
• Senator Cormier has been working for nearly 40 years to ensure that arts and culture are better integrated in every aspect of Acadian and Canadian society. He has provided direction for and presenting a number of variety shows on Radio-Canada television in addition to roles at the Théâtre populaire d'Acadie, the National Arts Centre, the 2009 Congrès mondial acadien, and management of the États généraux des arts et de la culture dans la société acadienne au Nouveau-Brunswick within the Association acadienne des artistes professionnel.le.s du Nouveau-Brunswick (AAAPNB).
• Senator Cormier has also chaired a number of national and international organizations, including the Commission internationale du théâtre francophone (CITF), the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française (FCCF), the Association des théâtres francophones du Canada (ATFC), and the New Brunswick Arts Board. He has also sat on a number of boards of directors, including that of TV5 Québec-Canada, the Canadian Conference of the Arts, and the Atlantic Visual Arts Festival. A lifelong Acadian activist, from 2015 until his appointment to the Upper Chamber, Senator Cormier presided over the Société Nationale de l'Acadie (SNA), the representative organization for the Acadian people in Atlantic Canada, nationally, and internationally.
• Senator Cormier has earned many recognitions throughout his career including the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres de France L(2003), the Ordre des francophones d'Amérique (2008), the Éloize award for theatre artist of the year (2000), the Jean-Claude Marcus award for his contribution to francophone theatre in Canada, and the Economic Council of New Brunswick manager of the year award in 2000.
• Member of the following Committee(s):
  • Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications
  • Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages

Issue

Use of section 107 of the Canada Labour Code in labour disputes.

Background

• Under section 107 of the Canada Labour Code (the Code), the Minister of Labour may refer any question or direct the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to do such things as to the Minister seem likely to maintain or secure industrial peace and to promote conditions favourable to the settlement of disputes.
• The text of section 107 is as follows

Key Facts

• Since 2023, 10 referrals have been made under section 107, 9 of which have been made to end or temporarily pause a strike or lockout and/or impose arbitration. The most recent referrals were made in the following labour disputes:
  • Air Canada (August 2025)
  • Canada Post (December 2024)
  • West Coast ports (November 2024)
  • Port of Montreal (November 2024)
  • Port of Quebec (November 2024)
  • Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (August 2024)
• Unions have challenged the section 107 referrals, and the CIRB's related orders, that ended or temporarily suspended strikes and lockouts and/or ordered arbitration in 2024 and 2025, arguing that the referrals and orders interfered with the meaningful process of collective bargaining, which includes the right to strike, as protected by section 2(d) (freedom of association) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These challenges are proceeding before the Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal.
• On October 6, 2025, MP Leah Gazan of the New Democratic Party introduced Bill C-247, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code. The Bill proposes to repeal section 107 of the Code entirely. Ms. Gazan is 39th on the list of consideration for private members' business, meaning that Bill C-247 currently falls outside the Order of Precedence.
• The replenishment of the Order of Precedence is expected in winter/spring 2026 (TBC). At that time, Ms. Gazan could select Bill C-247. It typically takes between 10 and 29 months for a PMB to receive Royal Assent, should it be adopted by both Houses of Parliament.

Key Messages

Major Projects

Issue

What are the next steps following the Industrial Inquiry Commission investigating longshoring labour disputes at the West Coast ports?

Background

Key Facts

• The labour dispute between the ILWU Canada and the BCMEA involved a 13-day strike at the West Coast ports in July 2023 that caused serious disruption to the Canadian economy and supply chains.
• The work stoppage shut down major operations at 30 West Coast ports, including the Port of Vancouver, which is the third largest port in North America and the largest in Canada in terms of volume.
• The serious disruptions caused by the West Coast ports strike added to existing challenges for Canada's economy, including supply chain volatility, wildfires, and labour shortages. The dispute impeded the movement of cargo valued at around $10 billion in total, impacting Canadian supply chains in all regions of the country. The most impacted industries were transportation, warehousing, construction, manufacturing, natural resources, and retail trade

Key Messages

• After the 2023 labour disruptions at West Coast ports, the Government took action and set up an Industrial Inquiry Commission to look into the deeper issues that keep leading to longshoring disputes.
• The Commission's job was to recommend practical solutions that respect collective bargaining and help employers and workers reach agreements without resorting to work stoppages. The goal is to support workers, reduce future disruptions and keep Canada's supply chains stable.
• The Commission delivered its final report in May 2025, and the Government is now carefully reviewing its findings and recommendations.
• I met with West Coast longshoring unions and employers at the end of January, and again just last week. The focus has been on identifying areas where the parties can align and begin advancing some of the Commission's proposals.
• The meetings were productive and encouraging. Everyone agreed that continued dialogue is essential-and that working together is the best way to find solutions that benefit both workers and industry.
• I look forward to continuing the engagement with these important partners and hope to see progress on their work to resolve outstanding issues.

Issue

Whether the labour disruptions that occurred between July 2023 and November 2024 can be considered exceptional and whether their impacts warrant amendments to Part I of the Canada Labour Code (Code).

Background

• Between July 2023 and November 2024, major port shutdowns and simultaneous railway closures created a cycle of disruptions widely described as "exceptional" or "unprecedented".
• These disruptions are now the focus of House and Senate committee reviews, where Labour Program data is being used to support claims of historic supply chain impacts and proposed amendments to Part I of the Code.

Key Facts

• Analysis of the frequency of work stoppages indicates that the 2023 to 2024 cycle is not historically significant.
  • From 1946 to 2024, the average annual number of work stoppages in federally regulated transportation was 11.6.
  • In 2023, the average number of work stoppages was 6.
  • In 2024 the average number of work stoppages was 12.
• Analysis of the number of "person-days not worked" (PDNW)^{Footnote 1} also demonstrates that 2023 to 2024 is not historically significant.
  • From 1946 to 2024, the annual average was 155,000 PDNW.
  • In 2023, the annual average was 90,000 PDNW.
  • In 2024, excluding the work stoppages at Canada Post, the annual average was 57,000 PDNW.
• A review of past labour disruptions shows that strikes and lockouts have previously shut down major ports and railways in rapid succession. A previous cycle to 2023 to 2024 occurred as recently as 2018 to 2020, during which all major railways and ports experienced shutdowns within roughly a 2-year period.

Key Messages

• I understand that the Railway Association of Canada appeared before this committee in October and highlighted findings from their 2025 report. The report cited 62 work stoppages in 2023 and 2024 and noted that person‑days lost reached their highest level since 1966.
• Employers often reference this 62-work stoppage figure. I want to clarify that this figure combines both federal and provincial disputes and therefore does not reflect the true number of work stoppages occurring within federally regulated supply‑chain sectors.
• I acknowledge that recent work stoppages have highlighted concerns about supply chain reliability. The public and parliamentary narrative has increasingly framed them as exceptional or unprecedented.
• However, if we look at historic work stoppage data, we see a more cyclical and stable picture.
• When we look for cycles comparable to what happened in 2023 and 2024, we find that similar clusters of major work stoppages have occurred before.
• Relying on data without understanding the context risks oversimplifying labour‑disruption dynamics and may lead to policy responses driven by perception rather than evidence.

Labour Relations in the Port of Montreal

Issue

Federal government support for ongoing labour disputes

Background

• The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) provides dispute resolution services in the form of conciliation and mediation, to federal private sector unions and employers during collective bargaining.
• Parties falling under Part I of the Canada Labour Code must work with FMCS before they acquire the right to strike or lockout.
• FMCS also provides relationship development and conflict resolution services to parties during the term of their collective agreement (for example, grievance mediation, training workshops, facilitated discussions/interventions). These services aim to improve relations and resolve disagreements during the term of the agreement and prior to the commencement of collective bargaining.

Key Facts

• In 2024 to 2025, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service supported more than 225 collective bargaining disputes.
• In 2024 to 2025, 97% of all disputes referred to FMCS (and resolved that year) were settled without a work stoppage.
• That same fiscal year, FMCS delivered a total of 76 relationship development interventions.

Key Messages

• The Government firmly supports the collective bargaining process and believes that the best deals are reached by the parties, together at the bargaining table.
• It is always incumbent on employers and unions to work together to reach and agreement. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service is available to step in when needed to provide support. In fact, parties under the jurisdiction of the Canada Labour Code must work with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service before they acquire the right to strike or lockout.
• In fiscal year 2024 to 25, federal mediators supported more than 220 bargaining disputes and 97% of all disputes resolved that year were settled without a work stoppage.
• The Government is monitoring ongoing negotiations and upcoming collective agreement expiries. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service is actively supporting parties in their bargaining.

Issue

Exploring the option of adopting powers of the President of the United States (US) to intervene in private‑sector labour disputes and assesses whether similar authority should be considered in the Canadian context.

Background

• In the US, the President can postpone work stoppages in most private‑sector industries for a defined period when a strike or lockout poses risks to national health or safety.
• US labour laws apply broadly across industries, primarily through the National Labor Relations Act, the Labor Management Relations Act, and the Railway Labor Act.
• These statutes allow presidential intervention in limited circumstances, such as national emergencies. By contrast, the Canada Labour Code (Code) applies only to federally regulated sectors.
• The President cannot end a work stoppage or force arbitration.
• The Code does not provide comparable authority to postpone a work stoppage to the Prime Minister or the Minister of Labour.

Key Facts

• While powers could expand federal tools that address disruptive work stoppages, replicating US‑style presidential powers to enable postponing would require extensive policy and legal work would be required, including criteria, safeguards, and oversight mechanisms.
• Unlike the US, Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Charter) protects the right to meaningful collective bargaining, including the right to strike (section 2(d)). Any intervention powers would need to avoid "substantial interference" with Charter‑protected rights.
• Given potential Charter challenges, impacts on bargaining balance between employers and unions, and the existing maintenance of activities provisions in the Code, such amendments have not been recommended in the Canadian context.

Key Messages

• In the United States, the President can only delay certain private‑sector strikes in limited national‑emergency situations. Canada's federal labour legislation does not provide an equivalent authority.
• Canada's labour relations framework is distinct from the U.S. model. Here, the right to meaningful collective bargaining, including the right to strike, is protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
• Introducing such a power would represent a significant shift in Canada's approach to labour relations and could affect the balance between employers and unions.

Issue

The introduction of Bill 89 in Quebec and recent work stoppages in key sectors have highlighted the need to examine whether designating certain services as essential in the Canada Labour Code could mitigate the impact of labour disruptions in the future.

Background

Provincial approaches to essential services

• Beyond Quebec, many provinces in Canada have legislation in place that prohibits a select few public sector employees from striking. These are typically, but not always, limited to police officers and firefighters. In these circumstances, other mechanisms such as binding interest arbitration are provided to resolve a collective bargaining impasse.

Key Facts

• Recent work stoppages at major ports and railways have led stakeholders to request Government intervention due to the negative impacts on the economy and Canada's reputation as a reliable trading partner.
  • On September 9, 2024, Fertilizer Canada wrote to the Minister asking to amend Section 87.7 of the Code to give fertilizer the same protected status as grain, citing ongoing supply‑chain risks.
  • The Western Canadian Shippers' Coalition also proposed an exception for rail and port services by adding a new tool in the Code to avoid work stoppages when collective bargaining fails.
  • Between October and November 2025, various stakeholders appeared before the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications advocating to:
    • expand maintenance of activities criteria to account for economic impacts
    • designate essential services in the rail and marine sectors to ensure minimum levels of port and rail operations during strikes or lockouts, and
    • introduce stronger mechanisms to avoid or terminate work stoppages

Key Messages

• To ensure that strikes and lockouts do not risk the health and safety of the public, the Canada Labour Code requires unions and employers to maintain activities that are necessary to prevent immediate and serious danger to the safety or health of the public during a work stoppage.
• The Code does not designate any industries as essential, nor does it give the Minister of Labour or the Government the power to declare any services or industries as essential.
• I recognize that the committee has heard a wide range of views on this issue. Some stakeholders have advocated for the Government to designate specific materials, like potash and propane, as essential.
• Others have gone further, proposing that the entire rail sector or all supply‑chain workers be deemed essential during work stoppages. These proposals reflect significant concerns about the economic impacts of work stoppages.
• I want to assure you that the Government is committed to working collaboratively with employers and unions to strengthen labour relations, improve labour stability and support employers and workers in Canada.

Next steps

• I look forward to reviewing the results of this Committee's study and considering its findings when they are available.
• I am always open to considering opportunities to strengthen the federal labour relations framework under the Code.

Issue

Whether members appointed to the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) require specialized expertise in supply chains and a broader mix of skills to strengthen the CIRB's overall capacity.

Background

• The CIRB is an independent, representational, quasi-judicial tribunal with a mandate to resolve workplace disputes and certain appeals that arise under the Canada Labour Code (Code), the Status of the Artist Act, and the Wage Earner Protection Program Act.
• Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons, employer and employee representative members are appointed by the Governor in Council (GiC), made by way of Orders in Council.
• The Minister of Labour recommends appointments to the GiC for the Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, and employer and employee representative members following consultations (subsections 10(1) and 10(2) of the Code).
• The Code only outlines 1 skill requirement: the Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons must have experience and expertise in industrial relations (subsection 10(5) of the Code).
• On November 19, 2025, the Chairperson of the CIRB, Maryse Tremblay, appeared before the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications (TRCM). Senator Jim Quinn asked the Chairperson about the skill sets required for CIRB members and whether they should have experience in specific sectors.
  • The Chairperson indicated that there is no requirement in the Code to represent or to have experience in a particular industry for the appointment of CIRB members.
• On November 26, 2025, Senator Jim Quinn posed a similar question to the Honourable Lisa Raitt, P.C., who appeared as an individual witness before the TRCM. He asked whether the CIRB should include members with a background in supply chains and a better mix of skills in the appointment process. Ms. Raitt expressed her support for the suggestion.

Key Facts

• The Board is currently comprised of 1 Chairperson, 8 full-time and 2 part-time Vice-Chairpersons, 2 full-time and 1 part-time employer representative members, and 2 full-time and 1 part-time employee representative members

Key Messages

• As Ms. Tremblay indicated during her appearance before this committee last November, the Canada Labour Code does not require CIRB members to have experience in any particular sector.
• The Code only requires that the Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons have experience and expertise in "industrial relations".
• The Code also requires that the Minister of Labour consult employer and employee organizations before recommending employer and employee representative members to the GiC.
• These requirements ensure that the CIRB has industrial relations expertise and balanced representation.

Issue

What are the results of the probe on unpaid work in the airline sector?

Background

• Part III of the Canada Labour Code (Code) sets out standards regarding employment conditions including hours of work, payment of wages, leaves, annual vacations, holidays and rights on termination of employment. There are roughly 1,020,000 employees subject to Part III of the Code who are employed by approximately 18,500 federally regulated private-sector employers and Crown corporations.
• Part III does not include a definition of what constitutes "work". However, the Labour Program has developed Interpretations, Policies and Guidelines (IPGs) that clarify the meaning of "work" to ensure consistent interpretation of the Code. The definition of work in the IPG on hours of work includes training, travel required by the employer, time spent at the employer's disposal at the worksite waiting to be assigned work, and time spent while on break but remaining at the employer's disposal.
• For flight attendants, approximately 90% of whom are unionized, the definition of work and how work is remunerated is negotiated between employers and bargaining agents although they must adhere to minimum standards established in the Code and its regulations.
• In 2015, the Canadian Union of Public Employees - Air Canada Component (CUPE) agreed to a compensation structure in their previous collective agreement with Air Canada. This agreement resulted in allegations of unpaid work.
• Most recently, on February 19, 2026, an arbitrator finalized the new agreement for Air Canada flight attendants.

Key Facts

• On August 18, 2025, the Minister of Jobs and Families announced the launch of a probe in the airline sector, consisting of consultations to determine whether flight attendants are being paid in a manner that meets the requirements of the Code.
• The initial report, Probe on Unpaid Work in the Airline Sector: Phase I - What We Heard, published on February 12, 2026, does not identify evidence of a sector-wide failure to meet the Code's wage standard. However, the consultations found areas, particularly involving part-time and entry-level flight attendants, where compensation practices may be problematic. More data is needed to fully assess these concerns.
• The probe is now moving into its next phase:
  • in January 2026, an inspection of an employer suspected of noncompliance with the wage standard was initiated. While the inspection is ongoing, the employer is cooperating and has adjusted their pay systems
  • on February 19, 2026, the Labour Program held a special information session with key stakeholders and airlines and unions. Subsequently, an email was sent to airlines requesting they conduct wage compliance self-audits. The deadline to provide results to the Labour Program is May 22, 2026
  • as part of this initiative, the Government will continue to review how "work" is defined and applied under the Code. This will include any findings that may come from the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) study on the definition of "work"

Key Messages

• The Government of Canada takes allegations about unpaid work seriously. Last summer, a key focus of the concerns raised by Air Canada flight attendants was that some of their work was unpaid. Responding to these allegations, I launched a probe on unpaid work in the airline sector, focusing on compensation practices for flight attendants.
• The Probe's initial report does not identify a sector-wide failure to meet the Code's wage standard. However, it does identify areas where compensation practices warrant closer examination.
• As a result, I have asked the Labour Program to conduct a deeper review, including asking the airline industry to undertake wage-compliance self-audits, conducting inspections and investigating any complaints. This further examination will provide the details needed to assess the alignment of compensation structures with hours worked.
• I have also directed the Labour Program to determine how "work" is defined and applied under the Code in this sector. Key industry stakeholders are being engaged to come to a shared understanding of wage protections, how they apply in practice, and the supports available to employees.
• Canada can only be strong if we work together to protect fair and safe workplaces. I thank all participants for sharing their experiences and perspectives and I urge cooperation in the next stage of the analysis.

Issue

Addressing employee misclassification in the road transportation industry and protecting federally regulated gig workers under the Canada Labour Code.

Background

• Misclassification happens when employers wrongly treat employees as independent contractors, denying them basic rights and protections. This can leave workers in precarious and economically vulnerable situations.
• In the road transportation sector, misclassified truck drivers may lose access to union rights, health and safety protections, minimum labour standards (such as minimum wage, paid leave, overtime, and vacation), and benefits like Employment Insurance.
• Misclassification also creates unfair competition for employers who follow the law.
• Since 2021, the Canada Labour Code has prohibited treating employees as non‑employees to avoid obligations. A pilot project in Ontario revealed widespread misclassification in road transportation, prompting increased federal funding and the creation of a dedicated inspection team.
• Legislative changes in June 2024 strengthened prohibitions under Parts I, II, and III of the Code and introduced a presumption that all workers- including gig workers-are employees unless employers prove otherwise. True independent contractors are not affected.
• To improve enforcement, the Budget Implementation Act, 2024, supported new data sharing between ESDC and CRA, with an information‑sharing between ESDC and CRA which is in place since March 2025. Further legislative amendments were introduced in the Budget 2025 Implementation Act to allow CRA to share confidential taxpayer information with ESDC.
• The Labour Program and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program have also established an MOU to exchange information on employer compliance, including investigations and complaints, to better target enforcement in the road transportation sector.

Key Facts

• The federally regulated road transportation industry includes over 8,000 employers and 260,000 employees, along with about 31,800 incorporated self‑employed truck drivers.
• Since its inception until in April 2023 to February 18, 2026, the National Misclassification Team has completed over 910 inspections and 600 education activities.
• Over 80% of non‑compliant employers have voluntarily agreed to properly classify drivers; others received Compliance Orders or Administrative Monetary Penalties.
• Since its inception until February 18, 2026, 38 Compliance Orders and 37 Administrative Monetary Penalties have been issued.
• The team also works with federal and provincial partners to raise awareness at weigh stations across Canada, conducting joint operations since late 2024 in multiple provinces, educating drivers and gathering information on potential misclassification.

Key Messages

• The Government of Canada is committed to protecting workers' rights and making sure all employers follow fair labour practices.
• Misclassifying workers-especially in the road transportation sector-remains a top priority because it harms workers, creates unfair competition, and undermines confidence in the labour market.
• That's why our government took action. Budget 2025 invested $77 million over four years for the Canada Revenue Agency to crack down on employers who misclassify employees.
• The Canada Labour Code is clear: worker misclassification is illegal. All workers are presumed to be employees unless proven otherwise. This puts the responsibility on employers while preserving the status of true independent contractors.
• Finally, Budget 2025 reaffirmed the Government's commitment to crack down on employers who violate the Canada Labour Code, by substantially increasing the penalties imposed on bad actors. These enhancements will strengthen protections for workers and ensure fair competition those employers who play by the rules.

What We've Done So Far

• Over the past two years, the Labour Program has:
  • inspected more than 910 employers
  • delivered over 600 outreach and education sessions
  • issued penalties and other enforcement measures to employers who failed to follow the Canada Labour Code
  • conducted a blitz in the GTA in early December 2025 that led to 188 inspections and while the results are pending, a number of employers have been identified as misclassifying

Working With Partners

• We work closely with federal and provincial partners across the country.
• Our presence at truck weigh stations and at the Port of Montreal helps educate drivers and detect potential misclassification.
• We also share information with key partners-including the Canada Revenue Agency-to support a coordinated effort to stop misclassification.

Why This Matters

• The Labour Program's continued focus on the road transportation industry protects workers, supports fair competition, and helps raise standards across the sector.

Issue

The objective of the note is to describe how Service Canada fulfills its official language departmental obligations relating to the Official Languages Act in the provision of services delivered online, by phone and in-person.

Background

• Service Canada provides a single point of access to a wide range of government services, benefits, and information.
• Service Canada fulfills its official language obligations under Part IV (Communications with and Services to the Public) of the Official Languages Act by providing clients with services of equal quality in both official languages.
• Services and information are available in-person, online, by phone, by mail, and in communities across the country in both official languages.

Considerations

Key Messages

• Service Canada delivers client service in both official languages across all delivery channels, in accordance with Part IV (Communications with and Services to the Public) of the Official Languages Act.
• The department recently reviewed the language designation of all in-person points of service. As a result of this exercise, 62 Service Canada offices across Canada have been newly designated as bilingual.
• The language designation of offices now better reflects the current Canadian reality and meets the needs of official language minority communities.

Issue

The Labour Program Tripartite Advisory Council is set to launch it's inaugural meeting on March 12, 2026, with a mandate to serve as a consultative body comprised of employer and employee representatives that provides advice to the Minister and the Secretary of State (Labour), on emerging issues to help improve the federal labour policy development process.

Background

• The Advisory Council's mandate is to help make federal labour policy more responsive to emerging issues in the world of work, including by:
  • studying and exchanging views and experiences on issues in the following areas:
    • industrial relations
    • labour standards
    • occupational health and safety
    • national and international labour affairs
    • workplace diversity and equity
    • other workplace and labour-related matters; and
  • providing independent advice on questions submitted for examination
• Advisory Council members will seek to work collaboratively in providing advice to the Labour Program that reflects their varied expertise and experience. Members will seek to find common ground where possible and maintain respect for other members and their point of view.
• Members, aside from the Deputy Minister, will be selected by the Minister and/or the Secretary of State (Labour) based on recommendations received from representative labour organizations, employer associations and organizations representing non-unionized workers.

Key Facts

• The inaugural meeting is schedule to take place on March 12, 2026, in the National Capital Region.
• The members who are scheduled to participate in the inaugural meeting are:
  • Bea Bruske, President, CLC
  • Lana Payne, National President, Unifor
  • Magali Picard, President, Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec
  • Derrick Hynes President and CEO, FETCO
  • Michelle Llambías Meunier, President and CEO, Conseil du patronat du Québec
  • Goldy Hyder, President and CEO, Business Council of Canada
• Members shall serve without remuneration.

Key Messages

• The voices of workers and employers are essential as we work to build a strong economy and support tomorrow's workforce.
• The council will strengthen cooperation and help make federal labour policy more responsive to emerging issues. It will provide a valuable source of stakeholder feedback and a primary forum for dialogue, cooperation and consensus-building, where the Government of Canada will seek stakeholders' advice on workplace and labour issues of federal, national, or international significance.
• Composed of labour and employer representatives, the council will work collaboratively to provide advice that reflects their varied expertise and experience.
• It is scheduled to meet throughout the year, with its inaugural meeting taking place on March 12, 2026.