CIAC Welcomes Bill C-39, Building Canada Strong Act 

September 22, 2026

The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) welcomes the introduction of Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, and its focus on strengthening Canada’s competitiveness, improving supply-chain reliability, and creating greater certainty for investment. 

The Bill represents a meaningful step forward in strengthening Canada’s investment and transportation framework. CIAC is particularly encouraged by the proposed changes to the federal labour framework that strengthens collective bargaining, creating more opportunities for negotiated settlements, while establishing a more transparent process for government action when labour disruptions have significant national consequences. 

“The best agreements are those reached at the bargaining table but negotiations between two parties should not put the entire economy at risk,” said Greg Moffatt, President and CEO of CIAC. Reliable rail and port service is essential for Canada’s chemistry and plastics manufacturers. Even short disruptions can force production reductions and shutdowns, create safety risks, and damage customer relationships and Canada’s reputation as a reliable trading partner.  

“Bill C-39 is an important step in creating a more predictable system for shippers, one that supports negotiated settlements but recognizes the adverse impacts labour disruptions have on Canada’s trade dependent economy,” said Moffatt. 

CIAC also welcomes measures to strengthen trade corridors, increase supply chain efficiency, improve adoption of digital trade tools, and modernize port investment. Reforms to information gathering and the Tell Us Once approach, alongside changes intended to make federal project reviews and permitting clearer, better coordinated and timelier, have the potential to increase efficiency for businesses and governments. Together, these measures can provide greater regulatory certainty, accelerating decision-making without compromising sustainable development or environmental protection.  

“Canada’s goal is to double our non-U.S. exports in ten years, but our reputation was that we couldn’t keep our supply chains running. C-39 is a welcome step in making sure our policies match our ambitions.” said Greg Moffatt.