VANCOUVER, B.C. — A non-binding mediated settlement has been reached between the Council of Marine Carriers and the Canadian Merchant Service Guild.

The end result is that the week-long labour dispute that has stopped most West Coast tug-boat operators from continuing service has come to an end.

“We thank both sides for realizing the serious impacts of this labour dispute and offer our gratitude to Federal Mediator Bill Lewis for his work to bring the two parties together,” said Captain Gordon Houston, President and Chief Executive Officer, Vancouver Port Authority. “We look forward to an orderly return to work so we can begin our efforts to rebuild our reputation as a reliable place to do business.”

It is estimated that the labour dispute has cost the Canadian economy $99 million, based on figures that state each container ship is with $7.5 million in economic impact and each coal ship is worth $1.8 million.

As of the resolution, nine container vessels were diverted to U.S. ports in Seattle and Tacoma. Three others were considering diverting. Four coal ships were still anchored in the Port of Vancouver.