Jobs, Economy and Environment

Labour movement to Parliament: it’s time to put workers at the centre of Canada’s trade strategy

February 3, 2026

OTTAWA — As global trade tensions rise and economic uncertainty deepens, Canada’s labour movement is demanding an end to trade policies that put corporate interests ahead of workers. Labour leaders from private and public sector will call for a worker-centred economic strategy that protects good jobs, rebuilds domestic industry, strengthens public services, upholds human rights, and defends Canada’s economic sovereignty.

Canada’s trade policy is failing workers, families and entire communities. For too long, decisions have been made behind closed doors that cost Canadians their jobs, hollow out our industries, and weaken our public services.

The message to parliamentarians is a simple one: Labour has a clear plan and it must have a seat at the table.

WHAT: An economic strategy and future trade deals must centre workers

WHEN: Wednesday, February 4 at 1:15 PM ET

WHERE: Rogers Centre (55 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa), Trillium Room or via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82682528884 (Meeting ID: 826 8252 8884)

WHO:

  • Bea Bruske, President, Canadian Labour Congress (CLC)
  • Lana Payne, National President, Unifor
  • Mark Hancock, National President, Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)
  • Marty Warren, National Director, United Steelworkers (USW)
  • Sharon DeSousa, President, Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC)
  • David Chartrand, General Vice-President, Machinists Union (IAM Union)

-30-

To arrange an interview, please contact: 
 CLC Media Relations 
 media@clcctc.ca 
 613-526-7426

  • Forward Together
  • CLC President available to media following Bill C-39 committee appearance

    October 20, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Forward Together
  • CLC brings solution to Parliamentary Committee as Bill C-39 threatens labour stability

    October 20, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Forward Together
  • Workers rally at MPs’ offices across Canada to defend right to strike

    October 15, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Forward Together
  • Bill C-39 could create more labour unrest, union leaders warn

    October 8, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Trade and International Affairs
  • World Day for Decent Work: Canada’s unions fighting to protect the right to strike

    October 7, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Jobs, Economy and Environment
  • Global labour body warns Bill C-39 could violate Canada’s international obligations

    October 2, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Jobs, Economy and Environment
  • CEOs covered by new labour code make up to 199 times more than their workers

    September 29, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Forward Together
  • Bill C-39 would give Canadian government broadest strike intervention powers in G7 

    September 27, 2026
    Click to open the link