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MONTREAL- The closure of Quebec-based furniture company South Shore Furniture, after more than 86 years in business, sends a warning signal for the future of Quebec's manufacturing sector, according to Unifor.
“The loss of these jobs, which have sustained generations, is the latest tragic casualty of Trump’s sustained attack on Canada’s industrial base. This underscores the need for urgent action to protect workers in vulnerable sectors and implement strong industrial strategies,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
With operations ceasing at the Sainte-Croix and Coaticook facilities, the union emphasizes that this represents a significant loss for workers. Unifor estimates that this closure will directly affect nearly 90 members, including 25 in Coaticook and 65 in Sainte-Croix.
“Every closure of a historic manufacturing company is a blow to our communities and to our collective ability to develop our resources here in Quebec. We cannot continue to lose secondary and tertiary processing companies without reacting,” said Daniel Cloutier, Unifor Quebec Director.
At the very moment when the liquidation of Duchesne et Fils appears imminent, the disappearance of Meubles South Shore fits into a worrying pattern: after decades in business, well-established companies are disappearing one after another, weakening the regional economy and quality jobs.
“Tariffs and the trade environment are often cited as the cause of these difficulties, but they can’t explain everything. That said, the pressure exerted by low-priced imports, particularly from Asia, is very real,” added Cloutier.
In the context of U.S. trade measures targeting certain Asian products, the union points out that Canada often becomes an alternative destination for these exports.
“When the United States closes one door, these products look for another entry point, and all too often, it’s the Canadian market that absorbs the shock. Our companies find themselves competing with products sold at prices that don’t reflect the true costs,” explained Cloutier.
Quebec and Ottawa must intervene. Unifor is urging governments to act quickly to protect jobs and ensure a level playing field, particularly in the context of the renegotiation of the CUSMA.
The union also points out that proactive actions to protect our industries have already borne fruit, particularly in cases involving silicon metal and plastic resins.
This is especially significant given that the manufacturer's closure comes barely a week after the federal government asked the Canadian International Trade Tribunal to conduct a safeguard investigation into global imports of solid and engineered wood cabinetry and vanities, solid and engineered hardwood flooring, and engineered wood storage furniture.
“Unifor intervenes directly in these cases and gives a voice to workers in support of employers who are harmed by unfair practices. We believe that all the tools at our disposal must be used: anti-dumping orders, trade protection measures, and local purchasing policies. Our businesses are not asking for preferential treatment, but for a level playing field,” concluded Cloutier.
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
