Strike threats widen Canada's infrastructure concerns

Significance Although today's strike was temporarily suspended at the last minute, the possibility of rail and port disruption this summer may force the Liberal government’s hand on the use of ‘back to work’ legislation despite potential political damage. Ontario’s cash-strapped provincial government faces a more immediate challenge. Impacts Back to work legislation would force the NDP to choose between workers' rights and supporting the Liberal government. Wildfires and falling water levels in hydroelectric systems threaten power supplies in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. US concern about use of Chinese-made cranes at Canadian container ports may become a political challenge for Ottawa.