The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) has said that it welcomes the Government of Canada’s announcement to impose tariffs on Chinese imports, including a 100% tariff on electric vehicles and a 25% tariff on aluminum and steel, matching recent U.S. actions.
Coming into force on October 22, this marks one of the most significant shifts in Canada’s supply chain in decades and is seen as a necessary step in protecting Canada’s economy, its workers, and the investments made in the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
By aligning Canada’s policy with the U.S., both nations are seen as taking a stand against unfair Chinese competition, which has long benefited from overcapacity, weak labour protections, and poor environmental standards.
Protecting Canadian industry and jobs
The Canadian government’s tariff proposal aims to not only protect Canadian industry but also Canadian jobs. The growth in the EV sector is seen as a very significant opportunity for growth, and Canada has the ability to be at the forefront of these developments—leveraging the power of a highly skilled workforce, which, combined with investment in the manufacturing of electric vehicles and related components, translates into good, unionized jobs that support Canadian families.
The CLC has stated it is encouraged by the emphasis on domestic supply chains. “Protecting the EV supply chain here in Canada means more than just keeping out unfair imports; it’s about investing in our own capacity to innovate and manufacture the sustainable technologies of the future. It’s about ensuring that this economic transition creates opportunities for Canadian workers and doesn’t become a backdoor for foreign markets to flood our country with cheaper alternatives,” the CLC said in an official statement.
Nevertheless, the CLC and Canadian unions acknowledge that, steps need to be taken to ensure these tariff policies are enforced in ways that truly benefit workers. Tariffs alone are seen as not enough and must be part of a broader strategy to build up Canada’s industrial base, foster innovation, and create an environment where good, unionized jobs can thrive. “Canada’s unions will continue to advocate for policies that protect our workers, create opportunities in sustainable industries, and ensure that the benefits of this transition are shared fairly across the country,” the CLC said.