Labour unions across Canada are backing the federal government’s decision to impose tariffs on imported electric vehicles (EVs) and certain steel and aluminum products from China, describing the measures as essential to safeguarding Canadian jobs and industries.
Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, applauded the new 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, which took effect on October 1, 2024. The union also supports the forthcoming 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, set to begin on October 22, 2024.
“Unifor welcomes the federal government’s actions to address the structural trade imbalance with China and to establish temporary guardrails for jobs and industries that will prove vital to Canada’s own industrial development and clean growth economy,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. She added that the union expects the government to enforce laws prohibiting imports of goods made with forced labour, a practice widely reported in Chinese manufacturing.
Payne emphasized the need for stronger action on forced labour: “The record on enforcement to prevent the importation of products made by forced labour is abysmal and it’s past time for action to be taken.”
Unifor supports the tariffs as a means to protect Canadian autoworkers, especially as domestic factories retool for the production of electric vehicles. The union has also pushed for additional tariffs on steel and aluminum, industries that have long struggled to compete against cheaper imports.
“These special tariffs on Chinese imported goods are needed to curb unfair trade, protect the jobs of Canadian workers, and solidify Canadian industry,” said Daniel Cloutier, Unifor Quebec Director.
The federal government is currently conducting public consultations on extending these measures to other sectors, including critical minerals and clean energy technologies. Unifor has advocated for higher tariffs on all new energy vehicles and battery-related components imported from China.
The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) echoed Unifor’s support for the tariffs, highlighting the move as a crucial step in protecting Canadian industries from unfair competition. CLC President Bea Bruske noted that these tariffs align Canada’s trade policy with recent U.S. actions and are necessary to safeguard the nation’s electric vehicle industry.
“This decision is in Canada’s best interest, especially for our workers,” said Bruske. “By aligning our policy with the U.S., we are standing against unfair Chinese competition, which has long benefited from overcapacity, weak labour protections, and poor environmental standards.”
Bruske emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening domestic supply chains, particularly as Canada aims to be a global leader in the shift toward low-carbon technologies.
“Protecting the EV supply chain here in Canada means more than just keeping out unfair imports; it’s about investing in our own capacity to innovate and manufacture the sustainable technologies of the future,” Bruske said.
While welcoming the tariffs, both Unifor and the CLC underscored the need for a broader strategy to ensure long-term benefits for Canadian workers, including strong enforcement mechanisms and investments in innovation and domestic manufacturing.
“Tariffs alone aren’t enough—this shift must be part of a broader strategy to build up Canada’s industrial base, foster innovation, and create an environment where good, unionized jobs can thrive,” Bruske said.