Automakers and the Government of Alberta yesterday petitioned MPs for a federal ban on port strikes by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. Such a move would be unconstitutional, the Union president warned the Commons trade committee.

“Supply chain disruptions are occurring with regularity and with each incident business is burdened with the cost,” testified Brian Kingston, CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association. Parliament should “add trade infrastructure to the listing of national critical infrastructure” shielded from strike action, he said.