A task force investigating a crippling strike by container truck drivers at the Port of Vancouver has recommended a licensing program for companies and drivers involved in short-haul transportation to and from the region's ports.
The report proposes that Ottawa direct the port authorities to adopt the scheme that would manage the number of drivers and vehicles and to ensure fair compensation for those drivers.
Industry Minister David Emerson called it a good report and said Ottawa would have to work closely with the provincial government and others involved in the ports to make it work.
He said one of the fundamental issues is creating a licensing and rate framework that's not going to be a source of instability.
"That's going to be a delicate exercise because it does involve essentially trying to establish a defined grid of rates. But that is something that we've got together with the province on because it will be important to preserving stability," Emerson said from Ottawa.
B.C. Transport Minister Kevin Falcon said there won't be an easy fix, but was anxious to get to work with Ottawa in finding long-term solutions.
"If we don't get this right and we don't get this resolved, then we have the prospect of further port disruptions," Falcon said.
The three-member task force - including labour lawyer Eric Harris, former Transport Canada director of ports Randy Morris and Ken Dobell, a former deputy minister to the B.C. premier - was appointed after container truck drivers stopped working this summer.
The dispute was triggered as drivers complained that rising fuel prices were making it increasingly impossible to earn a living.
Operations at the port resumed only after mediator Vince Ready stepped in with a plan to set new hauling rates and provide financial relief for truckers if diesel fuel prices continue to rise. The task force also recommended the federal and provincial governments work together to create a capacity for analytical work and consensus building throughout the port sector to implement best practices.
"Governments should provide two years' startup funding and seek agreement among the port authorities and private sector agencies to provide funding for this work over the long term," the report said.
Last month, the federal government announced $590 million to help build links between Canada and the Asian markets and further trade as part of its Pacific Gateway strategy.
The money will be used to assist projects that will develop transportation infrastructure and improve border services in concert with the provincial and local governments. Emerson said some of the money could be used in improving the way the ports operate.
The Retail Council of Canada estimated retailers were forced to spend an extra $100 million ensuring goods imported from Asia reached store shelves during the four-week strike by container truckers.
