CN Rail blockades cost wood, pulp and paper producers tens of millions
PRINCE GEORGE – With the forced shut down of parts of significant portions of its Canadian network, the economic implications are quickly being felt across the country.
The blockades have been set up on CN’s northern mainline between Prince George and Prince Rupert, as well as blockades near Belleville, ON, on CN’s only eastern link between Western Canada and Eastern Canada and between Eastern Canada and the US Mid-West.
“We have obtained court injunctions for both locations and we are working with local enforcement agencies to enforce the orders,” said JJ Ruest, president and CEO of CN Rail. “We have also engaged with customers, industry associations as well as officials in Ottawa and across Canada to explain to them the consequences and material impact that shutting down the railroad will have on their constituents.”
The head of international trade with the Forest Products Association of Canada says the shutdown of rail lines in Ontario and B.C. is causing a crisis for the industry as protests continue against the Coastal GasLink pipeline.