Canada’s largest private-sector union is demanding the federal government take immediate action to protect jobs and counter what it calls unjust U.S. trade tactics as the 45th Parliament begins its work.
Unifor, representing 320,000 workers, released a comprehensive set of legislative priorities Tuesday that calls for targeted tariffs, export controls and penalties on companies that move jobs outside Canada.
“Our message to all federal politicians is clear: put workers first,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “We need an economy that centres good jobs in every decision—backed by astute investments, strong public services, and strategic federal procurement to build Canadian industry.”
Union seeks expanded powers to penalize job offshoring
The union wants Ottawa to expand the Foreign Extraterritorial Measures Act to penalize corporations that shift production to the United States to avoid tariffs or access subsidies at the expense of Canadian workers and communities.
“With the ongoing Trump-led trade war, the threat to Canadian jobs is real and growing,” Payne said. “This Parliament must act urgently to defend our economic sovereignty and stop the bleed of jobs across the border.”
Unifor’s plan includes permanent Employment Insurance reforms with stronger worker protections and income support programs to help workers affected by layoffs stay connected to the labour market.
Industrial strategy calls for government involvement
The union is pushing for direct government involvement in key sectors including automotive and aerospace, along with the creation of sector councils to guide long-term development.
Unifor also wants “Buy Canadian” procurement policies, made-in-Canada energy infrastructure and exploration of a Canadian-owned car manufacturer.
“We need industrial strategies that don’t just react—they lead,” Payne said. “That requires public investment, public ownership, and procurement policies that support Canadian-made, union-built products.”
Housing and energy infrastructure proposals
Among other priorities, Unifor proposes a national modular housing strategy using Canadian lumber and expansion of east-west energy transportation through Canadian-built railcars.
The union wants Parliament to restrict foreign control over critical minerals and negotiate procurement-based defence agreements with allies to strengthen domestic aerospace and defence industries.
Labour protections remain key focus
Unifor is calling for swift implementation of federal anti-scab legislation and warning against corporate pressure to weaken labour protections.
“We know the employer lobby will push for deregulation under the ‘moving economies’ banner,” Payne said. “We must push back with a clear commitment to workers’ rights, fair wages, and strong unions.”
The union continues to support its “Keep it in the Pipe” campaign, which promotes investment in emissions-reducing technologies that protect union jobs in the energy sector.
Cross-ministry coordination sought
Unifor wants cross-ministry coordination to promote economic sustainability and national resilience, along with continued support for robust public services including defence of the Canada Health Act’s universality and advancement of a single-payer pharmacare system.
“We’re ready to work with Parliament to build a fairer, more inclusive, and more prosperous Canada,” Payne said. “That work begins with recognizing workers as the engine of our economy—and making choices that reflect that truth.”
