Canada plans labour law changes to reduce government intervention in strikes

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 20, 2026

Photo Courtesy: The Canadian Press

CANADA – The Canadian government is preparing legislation aimed at reducing the need for federal intervention in labour disputes, while maintaining workers’ right to strike.

Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu said the proposed changes to the Canada Labour Code are intended to give employers and unions better tools to resolve disputes at the negotiating table instead of relying on government intervention.

Hajdu said the government does not want to intervene in strikes and that both sides are better served when they can reach agreements through collective bargaining. The legislation could be introduced in Parliament as early as next week.

The issue has centred partly on Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, which allows the federal government to refer labour disputes to the Canada Industrial Relations Board. Its use has increased in recent years, prompting disagreements between employers and unions over how much power Ottawa should have to intervene.

Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said the proposed legislation is not intended to target the right to strike, but rather to make it easier for employers and unions to reach collective agreements.

Labour groups, however, remain concerned about any new government powers. Canadian Labour Congress president Bea Bruske said the right to strike is important to workers’ ability to negotiate wages, working conditions and job security.

Employer groups have taken a different view, arguing that additional mechanisms may be needed to prevent severe disruptions in critical industries. Federally Regulated Employers—Transportation and Communications CEO Derrick Hynes called for tools such as neutral third-party mediation and, in exceptional circumstances, binding arbitration.

The proposed changes follow months of federal consultations with unions, employers and other stakeholders. A government report released earlier this month found that existing labour-relations tools do not always effectively resolve complex disputes, particularly when work stoppages affect businesses, communities, supply chains and the broader public interest.