New study reveals the cost of supply chain disruptions

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Bruce Burrows, executive director of Grain Growers of Canada said every time grain stops moving, the consequences are immediate and unrecoverable. 

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“Missed sales, broken contracts, and a reputation as a reliable supplier that takes years to rebuild. Canada cannot keep accepting this as the cost of doing business,” Burrows said. “There is simply too much on the line.”  

Canada exports over 70 per cent of its grain production, with 94 per cent moving by rail. The analysis found that even the threat of disruption triggers losses, with up to $112 million in missed sales occurring before a work stoppage begins.  

The findings come against the backdrop of the unprecedented dual railway stoppage in 2024, which brought grain shipments to a halt and cost the sector millions of dollars per day. Repeated disruptions have raised questions about Canada’s reliability as a global supplier at a time when agricultural exports are central to economic resilience.  

With federal consultations on the labour relations framework now underway, the coalition is calling for good faith bargaining by appointing a special mediator to oversee collective bargaining, manage timelines, and ensure progress. There are also calls to resolve disputes before they escalate providing the minister with authority to consider economic harm and refer disputes to binding arbitration when necessary. 

Pulse Canada vice president of corporate affairs Greg Northey said Canada’s customers expect reliability, and repeated disruptions put that at risk. 

“With so much on the line, this is a critical moment to ensure the right policy framework is in place,” Northey said.  

The coalition said it will continue to engage with government and stakeholders throughout the consultation process, with a focus on advancing solutions that protect Canada’s reputation, support farmers, and strengthen long-term competitiveness. 

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com