OTTAWA — The president of the Canadian Labour Congress says proposed amendments to Canada’s labour code outlined in Bill C-39 could put decades of labour stability at risk.
The 243-page bill seeks to fast-track approvals for major projects, cut their review times and create zones of “national interest” to pre-approve certain types of projects.
The bill also proposes changes to Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to state that a minister can order a business under federal jurisdiction to resume operations, or put parties into binding arbitration.
Labour Congress president Bea Bruske told a House of Commons committee today those proposed new powers effectively eliminate the right to strike.
Canadian Union of Public Employees national president Mark Hancock told the committee that when companies know the government will bail them out during a strike, they won’t put their best offer forward in contract negotiations.
Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu said Monday the bill strengthens the right to strike by removing the ability to use Section 107 before a labour disruption, adding that the government has the responsibility to act during an “exceptionally consequential” dispute.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 20, 2026
Catherine Morrison, The Canadian Press
