The Council of Canadians condemns the imposition of tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump on Canadian steel and aluminum. This unfair and destructive trade war will impact thousands of frontline workers in these vital industries and communities across the country.
The Council is calling for the repeal of all tariffs and the restoration of the norms of international relations between Canada and the United States. To address the impact of this measure, the Council of Canadians is joining with Canada’s labour movement to call for the following:
- The immediate strengthening of the Employment Insurance system to support all impacted workers and restore Employment Insurance to a truly universal program that provides benefits to all workers who lose their jobs throughout this uncertain time and varying economic cycles in the future.
- The application of significant export taxes for products that the American economy relies on, including all forms of energy and vital products such as potash. This will provide bargaining leverage with the Trump administration as well as provide funding for the safety net that Canadians will need.
- The application of a “Made in Canada Matters” policy for public procurement of Canadian goods and services by every level of government and publicly funded organization in the country. This will help restore the capacity of our industries to diversify and supply Canadian public and private sectors and public enterprises.
- The development of a major program to build non-market housing – non-profits, co-op and social housing across the country. This will provide a market for Canadian wood, steel, aluminum and other essential building materials, as well as provide permanently affordable housing for hundreds of thousands of Canadians.
