Statement from Bea Bruske: Trump’s 35% Tariffs Demand a Bold Response
July 31, 2025
We are once again facing a direct economic assault on Canada and Canadian workers. Donald Trump’s announcement of 35% tariffs on our goods coming into force on August 1st is a calculated attack—an attempt to bully our country, break our backbone, and force us to kneel to his agenda. It comes two days after he imposed a 50% tariff on…
Canada’s unions applaud recognition of Palestinian statehood and urge further action to end the crisis in Gaza
July 31, 2025
Open Letter from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, to Prime Minister Mark Carney Dear Prime Minister: On behalf of Canada’s unions, I am writing about the unspeakable situation in Gaza and what can only be described as genocide. The October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas was an atrocity. The collective punishment being inflicted on millions of Palestinians in…
Gaza: ITUC condemns Israeli interception of Handala solidarity boat and arrest of trade unionists
July 30, 2025
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) expresses deep concern and condemnation over the recent interception and detention of the civilian vessel Handala by the Israeli military in international waters. The Handala, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was carrying vital humanitarian aid to Gaza, along with 21 peaceful activists committed to human rights and international solidarity. Among those unlawfully detained are…
Council of the Federation must focus on the impact of the trade war on workers
July 22, 2025
Bea Bruske, the President of the Canadian Labour Congress, issued the following statement today: Today, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canada’s premiers are meeting to discuss the impact of Trump’s trade war on Canada. Workers should be front and centre for Canada’s leaders. This trade war has already taken a major toll on Canada’s workers. We are losing jobs or…
CLC President Bea Bruske in Washington for labour meetings amidst trade war
July 16, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As U.S. President Donald Trump reignites global instability with a reckless 35% tariff threat, international labour leaders are uniting to defend workers and democracy. Tomorrow, Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, is joining Liz Shuler, President of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), and Yasmin Fahimi, President of the German…
Joint statement from French, British, and Canadian unions
June 17, 2025
In advance of the UN conference France is co-chairing, we unions representing millions of workers across France, the United Kingdom, and Canada urge our governments to formally recognise the State of Palestine now and to stand firm in their opposition to the atrocities committed in Gaza and the West Bank. We welcome the recent joint statement by our heads of…
Statement from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, on the G7 Summit
June 12, 2025
From Kitimat to Selkirk, Sault Ste. Marie to Alma, and now Hamilton—workers across Canada are bracing for the next round of layoffs. Entire industries are being hollowed out. Families are living in a constant state of uncertainty, fearing the loss of their homes, their savings, and their livelihoods. In this moment of deep economic anxiety, Canadians deserve leadership that listens…
Canada’s unions urge the government to take action to help end the crisis in Gaza
June 11, 2025
In a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske urges the federal government to move beyond statements and take immediate action to help end the violence in Gaza and advance a just and lasting peace. Canada has a responsibility to stand up for international law, human rights, and the dignity of all people. That means…
Gaza: ITUC calls for urgent action to end humanitarian catastrophe
June 2, 2025
In response to the escalating violence in Gaza and the humanitarian catastrophe there, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, urgent humanitarian aid, and renewed global efforts for a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution.
Statement from Bea Bruske in Reaction to Trump’s Plan to Double Tariffs
May 31, 2025
Donald Trump’s plan to double steel & aluminum tariffs is yet another direct attack on Canadian workers and a reckless move that will send shockwaves across the Canadian economy. This decision will shut us out of the U.S. market completely, devastating Canada’s steel & aluminum industry and threatening thousands of good-paying, unionized Canadian jobs. In light of this escalating threat, Canada’s unions call for immediate government…