Statement from Canada’s Building Trades Unions on U.S. Tariffs

Canada’s Building Trades Unions stand ready to fight for jobs, fight for workers, and fight for Canadians as the Trump White House imposes unjustified 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods and 10 per cent tariffs on Canadian energy that will raise prices for American consumers, put Canadian jobs at risk, and damage the long-standing and productive trading relationship between the two countries. Canada’s Building Trades Unions is calling on the government to support workers during this significant economic disruption.

“It’s clear our trading relationship with the United States has now fundamentally changed. There will be short-term pain, and government will need to respond swiftly with supports for workers and industry,” said Strickland, “Immediate steps to support workers must include decreasing the eligibility requirements for employment insurance, extending the benefit period, removing separation monies as deemed earnings and implement a robust job-sharing program. We hope that these measures will be implemented in the coming days.”

Canada’s Building Trades Unions has been engaged with Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon, other unions, and the business community through multiple forums, including the Canada U.S. Trade Council (CUSTC), on measures to respond to the imposition of tariffs, including direct supports for workers who are impacted, and share views on a clear, effective, and muscular response to these developments. Canada’s Building Trades Unions’ members work in the construction and maintenance of major industrial projects, factories, and manufacturing facilities, ensuring that these important economic drivers are not only built to the highest standards, but maintained, keeping the lights on and the machinery working.

“While there will be short term economic challenges, this is an opportunity for Canada to chart a new course,” said Strickland, “Canada must invest in new oil and natural gas pipeline infrastructure to become energy independent, diversify our exports, and expand our markets to ensure Canadian workers and industries are prepared for the challenges ahead. The time is now to build the west-east infrastructure required to ensure Canadian resources get to Canadian markets, where we’ll need them most, and getting shovels in the ground for the new strategic and business reality is paramount.”

Canada’s Building Trades Unions will continue to engage with the government on measures for economic diversification, the construction of national infrastructure to support new export markets, and measures to mitigate trade-related impacts on the construction industry, such as increases in material prices.

“Now is the time to pull together as Canadians, as building trades union members, and as the best-trained, most-skilled construction workforce on the planet,” said Strickland, “Together, we’ll get through this and build a more prosperous Canada for generations to come as a proud, independent nation.”