Canada’s largest labour unions met with federal ministers Thursday to demand that worker protections take priority in the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske and leaders from major manufacturing and building trades unions met Minister Dominic LeBlanc to discuss the 2026 CUSMA review. The unions warned against sacrificing domestic jobs and industrial capacity to secure a trade deal.
“Any deal that undermines Canadian jobs or weakens Canada’s ability to build its own economy would be worse than no deal at all,” said Bruske.
Trade policy concerns
The unions raised concerns about ongoing U.S. tariffs on Canadian auto and softwood lumber sectors. These tariffs have resulted in job losses and economic impacts on communities across Canada, according to the CLC.
The labour organization is calling on the federal government to work toward removing these sectoral tariffs.
Labour chapter demands
The CLC is pressing for an enforceable labour chapter in any renewed agreement. The unions want expanded use of the Rapid Response Mechanism, which holds employers accountable for labour rights violations across North America.
The unions also want Canada to maintain the ability to pursue industrial policy, enforce labour protections, and expand domestic manufacturing.
Worker-first approach
The CLC is urging the government to include unions in trade negotiations. The organization said unions have detailed knowledge of their industries that would inform policy decisions.
The labour groups said trade rules should not undermine workers’ rights, public services, or fair wages. They emphasized that any agreement should strengthen Canadian industries and working-class communities rather than reduce domestic production capacity.
