Debate begins on replacement workers bill, as Poilievre stays mum on Tory position

Federal Conservatives have yet to state their position on a Liberal government bill that is pitting labour groups against businesses, at a time when they are pitching themselves as worker-friendly.

Debate on the bill, which would ban the use of replacement workers in federally regulated workplaces, is set to begin on Wednesday. 

Labour leaders have long called for the measure, which would cover workplaces including transportation hubs and the telecommunications sector.

On the other hand, business groups such as the Canadian Federation of Independent Business and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce have warned that the change could lead to longer disputes and take away a reason for unions to remain at bargaining tables.