Government and Democracy

Canada’s mining sector is facing an unprecedented attack from the Trump Administration, which has yet again trained its sights on Canadian metals and minerals. After losing a trade war against Canada’s aluminum and steel industries in 2018-19, Trump is now threatening all of Canada’s mining and metals sector with up to 50% tariffs.

Secure Canada’s energy and energy product supply chains

Unifor is mobilizing an economy-wide fightback against U.S. tariffs on Canadian products with sector specific analyses.

A key component of the campaign is working with the federal government and the provinces to provide a bold policy options that would protect Canadian jobs and support workers impacted by the economic consequences of an irrational and aggressive American trade war.

LONDON— The Unifor Auto Council and Independent Parts Suppliers (IPS) Council held an emergency joint meeting today to address the ongoing tariff threat and U.S. President Donald Trump’s open demand for Canadian auto and parts jobs to be moved to the United States.  

EDMONTON—The Alberta government’s 2025 budget delivers tax cuts while shifting costs onto workers, underfunding public services, and funnelling more money into private schools at the expense of the public education system.  

“Workers aren’t fooled by this government’s spin,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “This budget gives tax cuts with one hand but takes from workers with the other through higher fees, property tax hikes, and underfunding public education and health care.”  

In an International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) webinar this week, Unifor shed light on how United States President Donald Trump’s attacks on press freedom in the U.S. has ushered in a similar ripple effect in Canadian media.

Unifor is calling on all provincial and territorial governments to follow Manitoba’s lead after the province became the first to join the national pharmacare program.

Unifor will take the concerns of workers to three government taskforces aimed at safeguarding Canadian jobs: the Manitoba U.S. Trade Council, the B.C. Trade and Economic Security Taskforce, and the B.C. Softwood Lumber Advisory Council.

TORONTO, Ont.-Unifor is urging Canada’s largest grocery stores, owned by Empire, Loblaw and Metro, to prioritize the purchasing and promotion of made in Canada products in response to the Trump administration’s reckless trade war against Canadian workers. 

In a letter to the CEOs of Empire, Loblaw and Metro, Unifor National President Lana Payne encouraged the grocers to make it easier for shoppers to identify made in Canada products on their shelves to support domestic industries and protect jobs.

ST. JOHN’S—Unifor participated in Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey’s trade roundtable’s most recent meeting today, calling for swift action to protect workers, particularly in the province’s trade-exposed sectors like oil and gas, forestry and the fishery.

Premier Doug Ford has called an early election. Ontarians are heading to the polls on Thursday, February 27. 

“This election is an opportunity to tell candidates what workers expect from their next government, said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. “In this election, Unifor calls on all parties to protect workers, secure the economy, and save public services.”  

View Samia’s video message: