Proposed limits on Ottawa’s power to end strikes now go to special committee for study
Federally regulated employers could face new rules for when Ottawa may end a strike or lockout after Bill C-39, which rewrites the federal jobs minister’s intervention powers, passed second reading in the House of Commons on Oct. 8.
Conservatives joined the governing Liberals to pass the bill 296 to 26 and refer it to a special committee, according to The Canadian Press (CP).
The bill, tabled Sept. 21, 2026, as the Building Canada Strong Act, mainly speeds project approvals.
It also contains the government’s proposed overhaul of federal labour law for sectors such as rail, air transport and banking.
Section 107 lets the minister direct the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to take steps to maintain or secure industrial peace. Ottawa has used it to end stoppages at Canada Post, CN and CPKC, and ports in British Columbia and Montreal, CP reported.
Under the bill, the minister could appoint a special mediator up to 75 days into conciliation, with 21 days to help the parties settle. Once a legal strike or lockout began, the minister could direct the CIRB to order a return to work, extend the collective agreement or impose binding arbitration.
The minister could do so only after considering the mediator’s report and concluding the national interest is affected, according to an analysis by Canadian HR Reporter.
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