Trade and International Affairs

Statement from Bea Bruske on Carney’s plan to remove U.S. counter-tariffs

August 22, 2025

Canada’s unions refuse to accept punishing tariffs on our critical export industries as the “new normal.” These tariffs have been an attack on Canadian workers and our economy, and our government must stand strong. Rolling over to Donald Trump’s demands is not an option.

Let’s be clear: capitulation hasn’t delivered Canada a single gain from Trump. Whether it was scrapping the digital services tax or making concessions on border security, giving in has only weakened our industries and hurt working people. Removing counter-tariffs now would once again hand Trump an easy victory while leaving Canadian workers and communities to pay the price.

Counter-tariffs are not symbolic. They are Canada’s line of defence in this escalating trade war. Unilaterally removing counter-tariffs now would betray the clear mandate Canadians gave the Prime Minister: fight back against Trump’s trade war and defend good Canadian jobs.

Caving to Trump is not an option. It’s time to hit back hard, to stand up for workers, and to deploy every tool available to protect our industries and our communities. Prime Minister Carney must use Canada’s considerable bargaining power to prevent the decimation of vital industries and the loss of thousands of good jobs.

  • Social Justice and Democracy
  • Statement from the Canadian Labour Congress in Solidarity with Striking BC Nurses

    July 10, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Forward Together
  • Elbows up for Canada Day: A better deal for a stronger Canada

    July 1, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Trade and International Affairs
  • Canada’s unions support stronger action on forced labour, reject Trump’s tariff pretext

    June 15, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Forward Together
  • Statement From CLC President Bea Bruske On Senate Report: Keep Canada Moving

    June 11, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Trade and International Affairs
  • Canada’s unions take concerns over AI and labour rights to global stage

    June 10, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Trade and International Affairs
  • No deal is better than a bad deal: CLC sets expectations for CUSMA review

    June 9, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • AI
  • Statement from CLC President, Bea Bruske, on the Federal Government’s AI strategy

    June 4, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • Pride in our solidarity: Canada’s unions celebrate 2SLGBTQI+ workers this 2026 Pride season

    June 1, 2026
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • National AccessAbility Week: Canada’s unions committed to barrier-free workplaces

    May 31, 2026
    Click to open the link