The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is joining the chorus of politicians, farm groups, and business leaders imploring the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference and CN Rail to bring an end to the CN Rail strike, now into its fourth day. The CFIB says the strike poses a threat for small businesses that rely on its services to send and receive products and essential materials. President Dan Kelly says, “A long strike could really hurt the economy, even trigger layoffs and closures.” Marilyn Braun Pollen, Vice-President, Western Canada and Agri-business says, “the last thing farmers need is a drawn out labour dispute at CN that would hit their bottom line further.” Farmers are already dealing with a tough harvest season and, grain producers are also stuck in the middle of a trade dispute with China. The impact of the strike is also being felt in the oil industry, as well as mining and forestry. The CFIB says, if the two sides can’t reach agreement by next week, the government should recall parliament and pass back-to-work legislation.