Bill C-39, the Building Canada Strong Act, reached its final witness hearings before the House of Commons Legislative Committee on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The proposed legislation would amend section 107 of the Canada Labour Code, which allows the Minister of Labour to direct the Canada Industrial Relations Board to end a strike or lockout in a federally regulated workplace.
The bill would introduce a new special mediator process for labour disputes. Under the proposed changes, a mediator would work with the employer and union for 21 days when negotiations reach an impasse. If the dispute remains unresolved, the mediator would prepare a report for the Minister of Labour. The minister would then be required to consider the report and determine that the dispute is harmful to the national interest before intervening. The bill would also extend the conciliation period from 60 to 90 days.
MPs were required to submit proposed amendments by the end of business on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. On November 3, the Canadian Labour Congress released a fact-check backgrounder challenging the government's position that expanded ministerial authority would prevent labour disruptions. The CLC noted that section 107 has already been used at least eight times since June 2024.
The committee has set November 16, 2026, as its deadline to conclude hearings and proceed with final clause-by-clause review. Bill C-39 was introduced on September 21, 2026, and has not yet become law.
