Over 24 labor unions have appealed to the Ford administration to establish a “tariff task force” to guide the province’s strategy in dealing with the Trump-led US government.
Premier Doug Ford has previously cautioned that Ontario could face significant damage from widespread American tariffs. Referencing confidential government data, he projected that a trade war with the US could affect between 450,000 and 500,000 jobs.
These apprehensions are shared by public and private sector unions, who predict severe repercussions for the province’s economy. Kevon Stewart, a director with the United Steelworkers union, expressed deep concern for the future of various sectors, such as steel, aluminum, auto, and manufacturing. He warned that the harsh tariffs could wreak havoc on entire industries, lead to the loss of thousands of jobs, and severely disrupt supply chains that support communities across Ontario.
While Premier Ford has engaged in public meetings with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other Canadian Premiers, labor leaders are currently advocating for the creation of a union-related task force to help shape the tariff response.
Laura Walton, the president of the Ontario Federation of Labour, pointed out that provinces like British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Manitoba have already set up tariff tables to address the threat to jobs and communities. She urged Ontario to follow suit.
Late last week, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced a new business and labor council, a move that British Columbia Premier David Eby has also pledged to emulate in order to inform their tariff response.
The proposal presented on Monday was backed by several unions, including the Canadian Union of Public Employees, the Ontario Public Sector Employees Unions, and the Ontario Nurses Association.
The union leaders are also anticipated to criticize Ford’s decision to call an early election amidst the tariff concerns, labeling the move as “reckless and irresponsible.” The Premier’s Office has not yet responded to a request for comment.
