Halifax protesters rally against federal Bill C-39 over strike concerns
A few dozen demonstrators gathered outside MP Shannon Miedema’s office in Halifax on Friday to oppose Bill C-39, a federal Liberal bill amending the Canada Labour Code. While the government says the legislation protects the right to strike, labour groups warn it could allow the Minister of Labour to unilaterally end strikes.
A few dozen protesters gathered outside MP Shannon Miedema’s office in downtown Halifax around noon on Friday to oppose proposed anti-strike legislation. The demonstration targeted Bill C-39, a federal Liberal bill intended to speed up major projects and amend the Canada Labour Code. 
The federal government has stated that the changes would strengthen collective bargaining by helping parties address issues earlier while fully protecting the right to strike. Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu said the legislation would protect the right to strike while reinforcing the responsibility of unions and employers to negotiate in good faith.
Labour groups, however, warn that the changes in Bill C-39 could strip workers of their right to strike. The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour opposes changes to Section 107 of the federal labour code included in the bill. Melissa Marsman, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour, stated that if passed, the bill would give Canada’s Minister of Labour the power to intervene and end strikes at their sole discretion without legislative oversight.
Marsman argued that Section 107 eliminates incentives for employers to bargain fairly, citing the Air Canada flight attendants dispute as an example where negotiations failed as a pretext for government intervention.
Bill C-39 has not yet been passed in the House of Commons.