By Nicolas Maltais 
We live in very strange and uncertain times. Our southern neighbour, almost overnight, became our biggest threat; the war in Ukraine and the Gaza genocide becoming second thought. Many of us feel fear, anger, betrayal, but we also have been feeling pride and displayed patriotism the likes of which have not been seen in years.
The Canada – U.S. trade war has been fuelled by tariffs, protectionist policies, political rhetoric, and threats of annexation from a stooge who appears to be taking queues from a dictator living halfway across the world. The constant threats, and shifting dynamics have caused the markets to drop, businesses to tighten their belts, and job losses.
The outgoing Trudeau government has mounted a strong and almost united front to combat the southern threat, with the exception of Alberta’s Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe. Doug Ford even surprised many by being Team Canada’s biggest proponent. However, the win by Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of Canada, brings a number of unknowns to Canada’s top job, and calling an election during the onset of a trade war, while unavoidable, is ill timed.
Canada’s unions have not been quiet, increasing their efforts to protect workers’ rights and interests. The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and unions such as Unifor and the United Steelworkers (USW) have been vocal in demanding our government take a strong and decisive response to meet the southern threat. Calls to enhance Employment Insurance benefits and provide direct financial support to those impacted. These calls have not gone unheard with the Canadian government announcing changes to the Employment Insurance program and a more than $6-billion aid package for businesses impacted by this trade war.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), our union, announced this week that our members would be there for Canadians in need and urged Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to reverse course of the planned reductions to public service positions while worked across the country will be counting on them to deliver financial relief. Now is not the time to continue with this misguided decision to cut public service positions!
As activists there are a number of things we can do:
Advocate for stronger labour protections in trade deals – We need to lobby the Canadian government to prioritize labour rights, environmental protections, and fair-trade practices in any future trade agreement, including when the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is open to renegotiation in 2026.
Continue to push for government support of affected industries and workers – We need to advocate for government-backed support programs and subsidies for industries and works affected by tariffs and disruptions, particularly the steel, aluminum and agriculture industries at this time.
Mobilize public support through campaigns and protests – locals and area councils can organize protests or rallies to demonstrate the negative effects of the trade war on workers. Partner with other unions or your local labour council. Start a petition, a letter campaign to MPs, launch an online awareness campaign, there are a lot of possibilities.
Support Canadian products and industries – this goes without saying, “Buy Canadian”. Encourage friends, family, and other unionists to support local businesses and products. Don’t buy American.
Engage in international solidarity – Our unions, our federations of labour, and our labour congress must form alliances with other global labour organizations to create a stronger and more united internation front against the negative effects of this trade war. Together we are stronger!
Monitor and challenge trade policies – As activists we must keep a watchful eye on our government’s response to this trade war. We will need to hold the government accountable if it compromises workers’ rights in favor of corporate interests in any future trade deals.
Utilize social media for advocacy – Social media platforms can be used to inform people about the negative impacts of this trade war on workers and Canadian industries. Take a stand by deleting your X (Twitter) account and switching instead to the emerging social media platform Bluesky. Advocate for your local governments, municipalities, your component and union to also delete their online presence from X and switch to Bluesky instead.
Pressure companies to take a stand – Let companies know, through social media, letters to the editor, that they cannot undermine workers for the sake of profit. Pressure them to buy Canadian and let them know that any business who closes shop to move to the U.S. will lose your business. But also support companies, who do take a stand and remain in Canada.
This trade war impacts all Canadians, and as activists we have a vital role to play by advocating for fair trade policies, supporting affected workers and industries, and by pushing for legislative and economic changes that prioritise Canadian interests and workers. We must stand for Canadians and for Canada.
Solidarity!