Unions oppose B.C. port's plans to test self-driving trucks
Canada's third-largest port plans to test self-driving trucks as it explores ways to increase its capacity, according to a port authority presentation first obtained by The Tyee and viewed by CBC News.
The Port of Prince Rupert could face a driver shortage as early as 2026, according to the presentation, at the same time that it's expected to see a dramatic rise in cargo due to two expansion projects scheduled to be completed in 2026 and 2027.
"Container transload volumes will grow significantly between now and 2035," the presentation said. Daily truck moves to and from the DP World container terminal in Prince Rupert, North America's closest port to Asia, are expected to increase from 176 today to 1,322 in 2030, according to the presentation.
The port authority conducted about 1,000 kilometres of autonomous driving testing last year and says it plans to do more in June and July.
WATCH | Union 'dead set opposed' to automated trucks:
B.C. port truck driver union 'dead set opposed' to self-driving trucks
16 hours ago
Duration 0:28
Teamsters Canada, the union representing about 30 truck drivers working at the Port of Prince Rupert, says it's against the port authority's plans to test self-driving trucks this summer, arguing it could lead to job losses and safety issues.
The testing comes nearly two years after about 7,400 unionized employees at more than 30 ports along British Columbia's coast walked off the job, halting billions of dollars in trade, partly over concerns about how automation will affect the future of their work.
However, a port authority spokesperson said there are currently no plans to incorporate the self-driving trucks into port operations.
'We were angered'
Unions representing truck drivers and other workers at the Port of Prince Rupert are opposed to the port authority's plans, saying it could lead to job losses and safety issues.
"We were angered and annoyed at it and obviously dead set opposed to the testing," Christopher Monette, director of public affairs at Teamsters Canada, told CBC News.
The union represents about 30 truck drivers at the port, who transport cargo between ships, warehouses and grain terminals at the port, a process known as drayage.
"It's not that the Teamsters oppose modernization or greater efficiency, it's just that we don't want to see mismanagement disguised as innovation," he said.
A performance assessment by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence placed Prince Rupert in 399th place out of 405 container ports for 2023, mainly due to vessel wait times.
But there is no consensus around whether robots on the waterfront hold the key to high performance.
Last year, a report from a U.S congressional watchdog found that automation was overhyped but nonetheless a potential path to improved port efficiency if other supply chain players come on board. High costs and a long recovery time for investment were cited as other hurdles.
A 2021 report from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development concluded that "automated ports are generally not more productive than their conventional counterparts." A McKinsey survey from 2017 found port automation cuts labour costs, but also productivity — by up to 15 per cent.
Previous tests
The Prince Rupert Port Authority outsources the drivers who are employed by Gat Leedm Logistics, a Prince Rupert-based transportation company, which declined to comment on the testing.
According to the presentation, the port authority has engaged NuPort Robotics, an Ontario-based self-driving truck company, to conduct an autonomous drayage pilot. The company did not respond to an interview request.
Its website states that "autonomous trucks have the potential to transform the transportation industry, making it safer, more efficient, and more sustainable."
The port authority said autonomous drayage "would only be considered once the current driver pool is maxed out."
It said a safety driver will always be in the driver's seat during testing.
The port authority launched its first tests in early 2024, according to the presentation. An autonomous tractor drove nearly 500 kilometres through a gravel road over the span of 10 tests. The vehicle reached speeds of 70 kilometres per hour, the presentation said.
During another testing period, an autonomous truck completed cargo lifting operations, with a trailer and container attached.
Concerns over job losses, safety
Monette said the union has proposed other ideas to increase cargo capacity, including allowing workers to hitch up multiple containers to their trucks.
"We want to make sure that workers' jobs are protected and that we have a say in that. We have a future in what comes next for the port," he said.
Monette added that he's worried about worker safety.
"Our members report a lot of black ice and slippage. Truck drivers know how to handle these situations. There is a doubt as to how well an autonomous vehicle can handle these situations," he said.
"One accident is one accident too many."
Rob Ashton, president of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada, said he worries automation could expand to other parts of the container terminal.
"I haven't heard if they are or aren't. But if they do try to automate that terminal, it's not like our members could go out and get a job in another industry here because there's very few, if any, major industries left in Prince Rupert," Ashton told CBC's Daybreak North.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Globe and Mail
LEADING EDGE MATERIALS' INVESTOR UPDATE AND SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES
LEADING EDGE MATERIALS' INVESTOR UPDATE ON SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES Vancouver, June 22, 2025 – Leading Edge Materials Corp. (' Leading Edge Materials ' or the ' Company ') (TSXV: LEM) (Nasdaq First North: LEMSE) (OTCQB: LEMIF) provides an investor update on significant activities. Overview - Becoming a European CRM producer Concerns about critical raw materials - security of supply, supply chain resilience and defence requirements - have been recurring themes at conferences attended by the Company in recent months, with Heavy Rare Earth Elements ('HREEs') and natural graphite frequently mentioned; geopolitical uncertainty is the new norm and it is driving partnership, collaboration and greater levels of support for mining. On June 17, 2025, the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan was announced focused on 'diversifying the responsible production and supply of critical minerals, encouraging investments in critical mineral projects and local value creation, and promoting innovation' in the G7, and with partners beyond, working together and 'to swiftly protect our economic and national security''. At the EIT Raw Materials Summit in March, graphite and defence were frequent mentions on the first day, with widespread calls for more action, now the Critical Raw Materials Act is in force, and the need for more money. Against this backdrop, LEM's Critical Raw Materials ('CRMs') portfolio is very well positioned and the Company is working on becoming a European CRM producer. Norra Kärr is a globally significant source of HREEs with the economic advantage of valuable industrial minerals, specifically nepheline syenite; a production start within 3–4 years is in reach. In parallel, we are evaluating the restart of production from the fully built and permitted Woxna Graphite mine. On exploration, and possibly future production, we have strengthened our position in Romania, with Leading Edge Materials Romania ('LEMR') being granted ownership and operational permits for the Avram Iancu mine by CNCAN (National Commission for Control of Nuclear Activities) under the supervision of IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM). This is significant recognition of the funds invested and commitment made by the Company in country and gives us real 'owner-operator' autonomy over a deposit described as 'one of the most important deposits [historically] in operation in Bihor (IAEA report, November 1997) and noted for uranium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc mineralization (IMWA Symposium 2007: Water in Mining Environments, May 2007). Norra Kärr – Application progresses On 8 April, the CEO was invited to Solvay's inauguration of a new production line for rare earth permanent magnets ('REPM') in France. Solvay is partnering with emerging mining and recycling players to accelerate the establishment of a robust, reliable, and sustainable supply chain, crucial for Europe's competitiveness and industrial and technological sovereignty. The essential creation of a European rare earth supply chain was again the theme of Solvay's presentation at The Rare Earth Industry Association ('REIA') Conference in Montreal last week. In recent months, the Company's application for a new Exploitation Concession ('Bearbetningskoncession'), 25-year mining lease has been out for consultation. The County Administrative Boards (CABs) of Jönköping and Östergötland have now communicated that they, at this time, cannot approve the Environmental Impact Assessment ('EIA') submitted by the Company's Swedish subsidiary GREENNA Mineral AB. The CABs state that additional data and analysis are needed. The decision and statement from the CABs tell us that we have some additional work to do describing the impact of the project, with an emphasis on water, cultural values and impact on other forms of land use. Obviously, these are crucial topics that must be addressed properly in our application. It should be noted that while the CABs reject our application as it currently stands, they also offer us the opportunity to supplement it. The Company's Swedish environmental permitting team is already reviewing the comments from the CABs in detail, and we believe that we will be able to respond with supplementary information to our application to the satisfaction of the CABs and other stakeholders. Developing Norra Kärr is of the utmost importance not only for Sweden, but for Europe. Geopolitical tensions and unstable global trade flows mean that it is more important than ever to produce HREEs in Sweden. That will enable us to extract metals that are essential to both achieving a complete energy transition and secure our defences. Europe relies heavily on China for its imports of HREEs. China dominates all stages of the rare earth elements supply chain from mining to permanent magnet manufacturing. The speed at which China can build new production is awe inspiring, and, with an established industrial base decades in the making, it has the ability to innovate beyond anything Europe can dream. Europe is compelled to change its ways, think and act radically differently to have a secure future. Highlighting Sweden's role in CRMs, Sweden's Energy, Business and Industry Minister Ebba Busch recently stated that 'Sweden has unique opportunities to be and remain a strong player in global mineral politics. We have the most sustainable mining industry in the world – ethically sustainable, environmentally sustainable, and with good working conditions.' The Company is developing and will manage Norra Kärr with social acceptance and transparency towards the local community as its primary considerations. The new application for mining license represents a reduction of 65 percent in land area compared to the old application which was initially approved in 2013. Chemical processing of the HREE-rich eudialyte concentrate will take place at an existing industrial location, and not on site. With the elimination of chemical processing, the Company has largely addressed stakeholder concerns about pollution risk to Lake Vättern. The changes to the application are in response to the public's concerns to the old application. This is what responsible mining companies do, they listen. Proposed activities at site are now similar to those of a quarrying operation; similar to what already exists around Lake Vättern. Our target is to make products from 100% of what we extract, HREE-rich eudialyte concentrate and industrial mineral nepheline syenite being the two most critically important. Looking ahead, a Swedish mining license (sw. Bearbetningskoncession) is decided by the Chief Mining Inspector. If the Chief Mining Inspector and CABs disagree about an application, the Government can then make the decision. Our objective is to provide supplementary information and explanation on the sufficiency of our enhanced application to the full satisfaction of the CABs, so that the development of Norra Kärr can progress unimpeded. Alongside the mining lease process, Pre-feasibility ('PFS') workstreams are underway. Testwork has now been completed on nepheline syenite and aegirine to determine their mineralogy, chemical composition, and leachate chemistry. The promising results are being used to determine possible market segments and specifications that can be achieved, potential demand and pricing, to be included in an updated PFS economic model for Norra Kärr. The Company envisages the PFS will be completed in Q1 2026. Woxna Graphite Mine – Potential Restart The Company is collaborating with an engineering consultant on updating the in-house production restart study, originally completed in 2022. We have initiated crushing testwork on Woxna ore to explore improved liberation and preservation of graphite flakes. Additionally, metallurgical testwork is planned to evaluate potential upgrades to the processing plant, aimed at optimizing performance. Our objective is to produce a high-quality, high-grade flake graphite concentrate. We continue to receive inbound enquiries and remain optimistic about Woxna's future prospects. This ongoing workstream will support the development of a new business plan, which could facilitate future project financing discussions and potentially unlock access to Swedish or EU public funding. Bihor Sud – Major Milestone Exploration activities at the Bihor Sud project have continued steadily, bolstered by the addition of four new geologists who joined the team in January. Recent work has included underground mapping, diamond drilling, geophysical surveys, core logging, and sampling. To accelerate progress, the Company plans to change drilling contractors within the next one to two months. The Company remains focused on defining a large-scale, mineable mineral resource at Bihor Sud, particularly within gallery G2, where exploration is targeting promising zinc-lead-copper-silver mineralization. Results to date have been encouraging and highlight the project's strong potential for a significant polymetallic discovery. A major milestone was the granting of ownership and operational permits for the Avram Iancu mine. Historical mining and exploration at this site have left behind hundreds of kilometres of galleries and underground workings. In addition to ongoing work at G2, the Romanian team has initiated preliminary investigations at Avram Iancu. They successfully located the entrance to a 3-kilometre tunnel observed to be in good condition. Based on historical reports, this tunnel connects with up to 15 kilometres of workings and zones containing massive sulphides in carbonate-replacement deposits with primary copper-bearing minerals—including chalcocite and bornite. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Leading Edge Materials Corp. Kurt Budge, CEO For further information, please contact the Company at: info@ About Leading Edge Materials Leading Edge Materials is a Canadian public company focused on developing a portfolio of critical raw material projects located in the European Union. Critical raw materials are determined as such by the European Union based on their economic importance and supply risk. They are directly linked to high growth technologies such as lithium-ion batteries and permanent magnets for electric motors, wind turbines and defense applications. The portfolio of projects includes the 100% owned Woxna Graphite mine (Sweden), 100% owned Norra Kärr Heavy Rare Earth Elements project (Sweden), and the 51% owned Bihor Sud Nickel Cobalt exploration alliance (Romania). Additional Information The information was submitted for publication through the agency of the contact person set out above, on June 22, 2025, at 23:30 Vancouver time. Leading Edge Materials is listed on the TSXV under the symbol 'LEM', OTCQB under the symbol 'LEMIF' and Nasdaq First North Stockholm under the symbol 'LEMSE'. Svensk Kapitalmarknadsgranskning ('SKMG') is the Company's Certified Adviser for the Nasdaq First North Growth Market (Stockholm) and may be contacted via email ca@ or by phone +46 (0)8 913 008. Reader Advisory This news release may contain statements which constitute 'forward-looking information', including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words 'may', 'would', 'could', 'will', 'intend', 'plan', 'anticipate', 'believe', 'estimate', 'expect' and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, fluctuations in market prices, changes in the Company's intended use of proceeds from the Private Placement, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws.
CTV News
4 hours ago
- CTV News
CTV National News: U.S.-China trade talks could impact lobster industry
Watch Canada's lobster industry, already vulnerable to environmental changes, could be impacted by trade talks between the U.S. and China. Paul Hollingsworth reports.
Globe and Mail
4 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
Wisr AI Systems Inc. Accelerates Global Business Development at Web Summit Vancouver, InfoSec Europe, and VivaTech Paris
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 22, 2025) - Wisr AI Systems Inc. (CSE: WISR) (" Wisr AI" or the " Company"), a leading provider of AI-driven cyber and third-party risk intelligence, is pleased to announce the successful execution of several strategic business development initiatives across recent key global technology conferences, including Web Summit Vancouver, InfoSec Europe in London, and VivaTech Paris. Web Summit Vancouver (May 27-30, 2025) Wisr AI participated as part of the official AI delegation at Web Summit Vancouver, where CEO Rob Goehring was featured on panels discussing the future of predictive AI in enterprise cybersecurity and risk management. The Company held targeted meetings with industry stakeholders, public-sector innovation leaders, and investors. These engagements served to strengthen Wisr AI's leadership role in Canada's AI sector while building new relationships across the North American innovation landscape. InfoSec Europe, London (June 3-5, 2025) At InfoSec Europe, one of Europe's leading cybersecurity conferences, Wisr AI advanced its market development objectives through high-level engagements with managed service providers, enterprise IT risk teams, and government-backed cyber programs. The Company showcased its predictive risk platform designed to detect vendor vulnerabilities, ingest global intelligence signals, and automate prioritization of emerging cyber threats. The event marked a key milestone in Wisr AI's strategy to expand its European footprint. VivaTech Paris (June 11-14, 2025) Wisr AI was honoured to be selected as part of Canada's official delegation to VivaTech Paris, where Canada was recognized as "Country of the Year". The event brought together over 180,000 attendees and 2,800 exhibitors, including a strong cohort of AI-focused companies from around the world. Wisr AI used the opportunity to demonstrate how its platform leverages artificial intelligence to improve cyber resilience and compliance across complex global supply chains. Throughout the conference, Wisr AI engaged in bilateral meetings with multinational corporations, innovation ministries, and enterprise risk teams. These discussions were supported by Canadian and provincial trade delegations and enabled the Company to identify potential new European partners, explore collaboration with cross-border regulatory frameworks, and align with emerging AI safety and sovereignty initiatives. Rob Goehring, CEO of Wisr AI, stated: "These global events provided a powerful platform for Wisr AI to expand its reach and share our vision of proactive, intelligence-led risk management. We're proud to represent Canadian innovation on the world stage and are encouraged by the momentum we've built with partners and prospects in both North America and Europe." Equity Incentive Grants The Company also announces that on June 20, 2025, Wisr AI adopted a "rolling" omnibus equity incentive plan (the " Incentive Plan") and granted a total of 4,550,000 stock options and 3,900,000 restricted share units (" RSUs") to certain directors, officers, and consultants of the Company. Each stock option is exercisable into one common share of the Company at a price of $0.15 per share for a period of up to 5 years. The RSUs vest in accordance with time-based criteria established by Wisr AI's Board of Directors, with none of the RSUs vesting until at least six (6) months following the grant date. The grants are intended to align the interests of the Company's team with long-term shareholder value creation and to support the continued growth and success of Wisr AI. The foregoing stock options and RSUs are subject to the Incentive Plan in all respects, as well as any required approvals of the Canadian Securities Exchange and the Company's shareholders. About Wisr AI Systems Inc. Wisr AI Systems Inc. (CSE: WISR) is a Vancouver-based technology company specializing in AI-powered cyber risk prediction and third-party risk intelligence. The Company's platform analyzes real-time global signals—including breach data, dark web intelligence, and firmographic context—to help organizations identify, prioritize, and act on emerging cyber and supply chain risks. Wisr AI supports enterprise resilience by enabling dynamic, scalable, and predictive governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) strategies. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the matters referenced herein and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Forward-Looking Information: This news release may contain statements that constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding, among other things, expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations of the Company's management, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the Company. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws; and compliance with extensive government regulation. This forward-looking information may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the business of the Company and market conditions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law.
