Canada’s chemistry and plastics sector welcomes National Supply Chain Task Force’s recommendations in new report
October 21, 2022
The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) applauds the important work of the National Supply Chain Task Force and their recently released report focused on action, collaboration and transformation. CIAC was pleased to see many of our sector’s key issues and recommendations addressed in the report, including developing a long-term national supply chain strategy, protecting the transportation network from disruption, and addressing labour shortages.
CIAC urges the federal government to act swiftly on these recommendations and is committed to continue collaborating with stakeholders to transform these recommendations into tangible actions and results.
Our recent Supply Chain Survey Report has shown that CIAC members have been plagued by supply chain issues such as shipping reliability, increased transit times and lost sales. A well-functioning supply chain is essential for supporting good jobs and keeping goods reliably moving in Canada.
“Over the last decade Canada has been plagued by network reliability issues from work stoppages, blockades, and severe weather events. Action needs to be taken to ensure critical infrastructure such as the rail network is not subject to near annual labour disputes and work stoppages,” said Bob Masterson, President and CEO of CIAC.
“Canada’s chemistry sector is poised for significant new investment as it transforms to a circular, low-carbon economy. We need to ensure we plan today for the infrastructure needs of tomorrow.”
$76 million of industrial chemical products move on Canada’s rail network daily, $28 billion annually and CIAC member-company executives identify rail service as a key factor in deciding whether to locate a new facility or expand operations in Canada. Chemicals account for nearly 10 per cent of all Canadian rail traffic and larger companies can ship and receive approximately 80 rail cars per day.