Union members have been without a contract since 2018. Talks with their employer — technically the Treasury Board of Canada — broke down in the fall. They’re seeking pay increases to match other Canadian law enforcement agencies and changes to working conditions.

Fortin declined to discuss how he anticipated a strike might affect the movement of goods. But he said any labor actions would be “targeted” and wouldn’t disrupt certain essential goods like COVID-19 vaccines.

“We will not be doing anything that will compromise the health and safety of Canadians,” he said.