Ontario Construction News staff writer
The National Director for Canada of the United Steelworkers (USW), Marty Warren, has strongly condemned President Donald Trump’s renewed threat to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican exports, set to take effect on February 1.
In a statement, Warren called the proposed tariffs “reckless” and warned that the move would have severe consequences for workers, industries, and communities on both sides of the border. He emphasized that the tariffs would harm key sectors such as steel, aluminum, forestry, mining, automotive, and manufacturing, which he described as the backbone of both Canadian and U.S. economies.
“The threat of these tariffs is an attack on the deeply integrated industries, strong supply chains, and well-paying, unionized jobs that depend on them,” Warren said. “Hundreds of thousands of jobs across North America are at risk.”
The USW leader also criticized President Trump’s broader trade vision, outlined in a memorandum issued on his inauguration day, which directs a reassessment of trade relationships like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) based on unsubstantiated claims of U.S. subsidies to the Canadian economy.
According to Warren, these “false allegations” are part of a broader agenda that puts workers in both Canada and the U.S. at risk. He warned that the tariffs would not only destabilize industries in Canada but also negatively impact American manufacturers and workers who rely on the seamless exchange of goods between the two countries.
The USW, which represents 850,000 workers across North America, called on the Canadian government to respond quickly and decisively to protect Canadian workers. Warren urged the government to implement countermeasures, defend industries through diplomatic channels, and collaborate with U.S. allies who understand the harm that such tariffs would inflict on their economies.
Warren also highlighted the need for Canada to strengthen its domestic policies, with a focus on supporting workers and industries impacted by the tariffs. He called for expanded access to Employment Insurance, targeted support for affected sectors, and investment in domestic manufacturing capacity.
“The federal government must act swiftly and with unity, beyond partisanship, to protect workers and defend our industries,” Warren stated.
The USW leader reiterated that Canadian workers would not be intimidated or sacrificed by political maneuvering, emphasizing that the union stands in solidarity with its American counterparts in demanding fairness and stability for workers.
“The workers who sustain our communities and economies deserve respect and protection,” Warren concluded.
The United Steelworkers union represents 225,000 members across Canada and is the largest private-sector union in North America, with a total of 850,000 members in Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean.
