As Trade War Escalates, Support for Workers Must Keep Pace
August 25, 2026
OTTAWA — Canada’s unions welcomed today’s extension of Employment Insurance measures for workers affected by U.S. tariffs, while calling on the federal government to do more as the trade war escalates. “Canada was right to walk away from a bad deal. We continue to stand with the government in refusing to sacrifice Canadian jobs and industries just to get Donald…
BRUSKE: Canada Must Stand Firm for a Trade Deal That Delivers for Workers
August 18, 2026
CLC president Bea Bruske issued the following statement in reaction to Prime Minister Carney describing the Canada-U.S. trade talks as “delicate and intense.” As trade unionists, we know what it takes to win at the negotiating table against a powerful counterpart. It takes strength, clarity, unity. It means knowing your bottom line, understanding your leverage and being prepared to use…
No deal is better than a bad deal: CLC sets expectations for CUSMA review
June 9, 2026
MINNESOTA — Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) President Bea Bruske delivered a message of solidarity and a call for a worker-centred approach to trade during a keynote address today at the AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention in Minnesota. The AFL-CIO represents more than 15 million workers across the United States and is the largest federation of unions in the country. “A trade agreement…
Canada’s unions call for immediate action as global oil shock drives up costs for Canadians
March 19, 2026
OTTAWA – The recent events relating to global energy disruptions – from conflict involving Iran to pressures on fuel supply and strategic reserves – make one thing clear: workers in Canada are once again being asked to absorb the shock of events far beyond their control. There is no domestic supply shock in Canada. The cost of refining gasoline here…
Statement from Bea Bruske: Canada’s unions must be at the table in trade talks
February 19, 2026
With trade discussions between Canada and Mexico underway this week, Canada’s unions are raising a serious concern: the very workers these deals affect have been excluded from the conversation. With more than 240 organizations and 370 business and industry delegates participating in the Team Canada Trade Mission to Mexico, labour was not meaningfully included in shaping Canada’s trade strategy with…
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.…
Statement by Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, on the Prime Minister’s trade and tariff announcement
September 5, 2025
Ottawa – Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, released the following statement: “Canada’s unions are ready to work with government to make sure today’s announcement delivers for workers and for our economy. Ottawa‘s strategy must prioritize good jobs and better lives for workers their families. To succeed, we need we need a clear industrial strategy that coordinates across…
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…
Canada’s Labour, Business, and Municipal Leaders Respond to Trump’s Tariff Hike
June 3, 2025
Ottawa, ON — On Wednesday, June 4, three of Canada’s foremost national leaders representing workers, businesses, and municipalities, will hold a joint press conference in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel. This reckless escalation is a direct attack on Canadian workers, businesses, and local economies. The impact threatens to devastate Canada’s…
Canada’s unions call for immediate action on U.S. tariffs threatening over one million jobs
April 2, 2025
OTTAWA – As union leaders from across the country gather in Ottawa, Canada’s unions are sounding the alarm on the devastating impact of new U.S. tariffs that threaten more than one million jobs in critical sectors, including steel, aluminum, forestry and public services. At a joint press conference today, Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) President Bea Bruske and Fédération des travailleurs…