More than two dozen labor unions are asking the Ford government to create a “tariff task force” to help inform the province’s response to dealings with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Premier Doug Ford has warned that Ontario would be disproportionately affected by the sweeping American tariffs and, citing unreleased government data, claimed that a trade war with the United States could affect 450,000 to 500,000 jobs.
Those concerns are echoed by public and private sector unions, who predict “disastrous consequences” for the province’s economy.
“Our members — especially in steel, aluminum, auto and manufacturing — are very concerned about their future,” said Kevon Stewart, director of the United Steelworkers union. “These punitive tariffs threaten to devastate entire industries, cost thousands of good jobs, and severely disrupt the supply chains that sustain communities across Ontario.”
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While Ford has held public meetings with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the rest of Canada’s premiers, labor leaders are now convening a union-linked task force to help address the tariff response.
“British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Manitoba have all established tariff tables to address the threat to jobs and communities,” said Laura Walton, president of the Ontario Federation of Labour. “It’s time for Ontario to follow suit.”
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Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced a new business and labor council on Friday, which British Columbia Premier David Abe also promised a business council to report on his tariff response.
Unions making the pitch Monday include the Canadian Union of Public Employees, the Ontario Public Sector Employees Union and the Ontario Nurses Association.
Union leaders are also expected to take aim at Ford’s decision to call an early election amid concerns over tariffs, calling the move “reckless and irresponsible”.
The Premier’s Office has not yet responded to a request for comment.
