CN Rail Blockade in Ontario and British Columbia
CN Rail Blockade in Ontario and British Columbia
Canadian National Railway Co., otherwise known as CN, released an advisory notice on February 11, 2020. The notice states the following:
“In Tyendinaga, ON and New Hazelton, BC, the court has issued Orders restraining any person from trespassing on CN’s right-of-way and interfering with CN’s operations. The Orders were served on protesters who refuse to comply voluntarily. To date, the protesters have refused to comply.
Unless the blockades on our rail lines are removed, we will be forced to shut down significant parts of our Canadian network.”
NETWORK IMPACT
“Hundreds of trains have been cancelled since the blockades began five days ago. We are currently parking trains across our network, but due to limited available space, CN will have no choice but to temporarily discontinue service in key corridors unless the blockades come to an end.
We know that rail transportation is critical to your business and the overall economic health of Canada and to the general public who rely on the many products that are shipped by rail. While we respect the right of people to demonstrate, it should not disrupt our service, our customers, our supply chain partners nor the Canadian economy.
A number of you have asked what you can do to help. We appreciate the support you have shown us and encourage you to contact your government representative to explain how these blockades impact your business, your employees and your customers.
Due to the seriousness of the situation, we put out a press release to help bring to reality the significant impact that these blockades are having. Read the press release.
We truly regret the major disruption this has caused you and your business. The entire CN team is committed to returning to the level of reliable service to which you are accustomed once the blockades are removed. We thank you for your patience and remain committed to minimizing the impact, to the extent that we can, on our customers, our supply chain partners, the Canadian economy, trade in general and the Canadian public.
BACKGROUND
“The blockade in Ontario is on our mainline in Tyendinaga, ON east of Belleville, ON. This blockade continues to block the movement of goods between Western Canada and Eastern Canada and between Eastern Canada and Mid-west USA. This is the 5th consecutive day that our double tracked mainline has been shut down.
The blockade in British Columbia is on our mainline in New Hazelton, BC, west of Smithers, BC. The blockade continues to block all traffic in and out of the Ports of Prince Rupert and Kitimat, BC. This is the 4th consecutive day that our main line has been shut down.
A public statement from the individuals blocking the lines explained that their actions are in solidarity with the pipeline opposition movement and are unrelated to CN’s activities.”
CONTACT
Scarbrough is monitoring the situation closely. If you have any questions, please contact your direct customer service representative.
