Securing Canada’s potash supply chain
By Michael Bourque, President and CEO of Fertilizer Canada
Investing in trade-enabling infrastructure has become a central discussion in Ottawa, and for good reason. Canada’s geography makes moving goods to and from global markets inherently difficult, and our regulatory environment often compounds the problem. Prolonged permitting timelines, inconsistent processes, and a cycle of expiring labour agreements have created uncertainty and delayed the projects our economy depends on. Addressing these issues is essential for a country highly dependent on trade.
For the potash industry, the stakes are particularly high. With production landlocked in Saskatchewan, Canadian potash must travel by rail to reach ports before moving to customers around the world. Canada’s rail network and coastal gateways are critical assets, but both face capacity constraints and operational risks that threaten long-term competitiveness.
The industry is preparing for substantial growth, with potash production and exports set to increase significantly in the coming years. Global demand is strong, and there is clear appetite for more Canadian product. But supply chains must keep pace.
The Vancouver corridor is significant for Canadian potash exports. As the primary route for exports to Central and South America, it plays an outsized role in maintaining Canada’s position as a dependable supplier. Yet the corridor is strained. Replacing or expanding the Second Narrows rail bridge would reduce congestion, improve reliability, and eliminate a single point of failure. Additional rail staging capacity near the terminal would also create meaningful efficiency gains and support higher export volumes.
Modernizing infrastructure is only part of the solution. Canada’s regulatory frameworks remain fragmented, duplicative, and slow. This isn’t about lowering standards. It is about creating clear, efficient, and predictable approval processes so businesses can invest with confidence. When uncertainty persists, projects stall, capital moves elsewhere, and Canada’s competitiveness erodes.
Labour disruptions create another systemic risk. The 2023 Port of Vancouver strike alone cost the fertilizer industry nearly $127 million and disrupted global supply chains at a critical time. Strengthening collective bargaining legislation to reduce the frequency and severity of work stoppages would enhance stability while continuing to protect workers’ rights. A more modern labour framework is essential for ensuring the reliability that global customers expect from Canada.
Canada’s potash producers are prepared to meet growing global demand, but the country must match that ambition with modern infrastructure, coherent regulation, and stable labour conditions. Addressing these structural issues is not optional. It is a prerequisite for safeguarding Canada’s reputation as a reliable supplier and for ensuring the potash sector continues to drive economic growth at home. With coordinated action, Canada can strengthen its supply chains and safeguard its position as a global leader in fertilizer.
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