Canada’s largest labour organization says the federal government’s throne speech delivered today falls short of addressing the economic challenges facing workers amid rising unemployment and affordability pressures.
The Canadian Labour Congress criticized the speech for prioritizing tax cuts for wealthy Canadians over investments in public services and job creation programs that unions say are needed to counter economic uncertainty from U.S. trade policies.
“Workers expected an ambitious plan to strengthen our economy, create jobs, and defend communities against Trump’s agenda, however, today’s throne speech provided none of this,” said Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress.
Housing and employment concerns highlighted
The labour organization pointed to continued affordability challenges facing Canadian families, including an increasingly unattainable housing market and rising unemployment rates that make it harder for workers to find stable employment.
The CLC expressed concern about the government’s emphasis on deregulation and fiscal restraint rather than what it calls meaningful investment in people and services.
On housing policy, the congress urged the government to move beyond incentives for private developers and commit to building publicly funded affordable housing units.
Trade barriers and worker protections
The throne speech’s proposals to eliminate internal trade barriers drew criticism from the labour group, which argues such measures could weaken worker standards and protections while undermining provincial authority.
“Unions must have a seat at the table in these conversations because workers cannot be an afterthought when shaping Canada’s future,” Bruske said.
The organization supports job creation and industrial strategy development but warns against approaches that reduce public oversight or shortchange workers who build the economy.
Immigration and technology concerns
While welcoming the government’s commitment to attracting global talent, the CLC emphasized that immigration policy must include strong labour protections and fair wages while focusing on training and retaining existing workers.
The congress also raised concerns about promises to use artificial intelligence to boost productivity, calling for clear commitments to job protection and strong regulations to ensure technology works with workers rather than against them.
“This moment calls for courageous leadership, not cost-cutting or complacency,” Bruske said.
Union demands for government action
The labour organization outlined specific priorities it wants the government to address, including raising wages, strengthening public healthcare, implementing universal publicly funded pharmacare, and modernizing Employment Insurance.
The CLC warned it would hold the government accountable if it fails to address worker concerns.
“We’re ready to work with this government, but make no mistake: if it fails workers, we won’t hesitate to hold it to account,” Bruske said.
