Unifor is calling on Canadians to stay united and remain on guard following the delay of tariffs on Canadian goods exported to the U.S. by 30-days.
“The tariffs may be paused but the union’s work to protect our members’ jobs has not,” said National President Lana Payne. “The ongoing tariff threat alone is designed to redirect investment, which will hurt jobs in Canada whether tariffs come into effect or not.”
On the eve of the February 4 implementation of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods and 10% tariff on energy exported to the U.S., the Canadian government negotiated a 30 day pause with a new potential tariff date of March 4, 2025. Canadian federal and provincial governments have also paused targeted counter-tariffs while negotiations continue.
Following the original tariff announcement, Unifor called for Canada to hit back hard and fast as everyday Canadians expressed outrage with a groundswell of patriotic support and a movement to buy Canadian.
“Canadian unity and a forceful, coordinated response propelled this initial tariff assault but we must continue to use our considerable leverage to fight back and work shoulder-to-shoulder to build a more resilient Canadian economy for the future,” added Payne.
In response to the brewing trade war, Unifor launched its Protect Canadian Jobs campaign, which includes the union’s recommendations to defend and grow jobs and boost the economy. Visit here for the latest information and to sign up for member updates.
Unifor is actively working nationwide to ensure that workers’ needs are front and centre with National President Lana Payne serving as a member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Canada-U.S. Relations, as Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray fights for jobs on Premier Furey’s Newfoundland and Labrador Trade Roundtable and Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle takes workers’ concerns to three government taskforces: the Manitoba U.S. Trade Council, the B.C. Trade and Economic Security Taskforce, and the B.C. Softwood Lumber Advisory Council.
Unifor Quebec Director Daniel Cloutier expressed the union’s deep disappointment with statements made by Premier Legault during an emergency debate on the impact of American tariffs, with Cloutier accusing the Premier of completely abandoning thousands of Quebec families.
As Ontarians prepare to go to the polls, Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi is encouraging members to engage with candidates to push for commitments to defend against potential U.S. actions and protect workers in trade-exposed sectors, including manufacturing, dairy, forestry, energy and mining, auto and IPS. Addressing the concerns of workers, Unifor’s Auto Council and Independent Parts Supplier Council united to issue a joint statement committing to fight to preserve factories and jobs.
Unifor also called for action to make it easier for Canadians to support each other, urging the CEO’s of the country’s largest grocery chains to prioritize domestic suppliers and take steps to clearly identify and promote Made in Canada products in store.
“Unifor members join all Canadians in the battle to reclaim our economic independence. By uniting in actions great and small we will emerge from this crisis stronger, together,” said Payne.