Canada’s largest private-sector union says the federal government’s new automotive policy contains positive measures but needs stronger action to protect jobs at idled plants in Brampton and Ingersoll.
Unifor, which represents 320,000 workers including thousands in the auto sector, released a statement Wednesday welcoming the policy’s direction while pressing for tougher conditions on automakers selling vehicles in Canada.
“The bottom line for all automakers must be if they want to sell in Canada, they have to build and invest in Canada,” said Lana Payne, Unifor national president. “The free ride must end for companies that take from Canada’s $100 billion sales market while giving nothing back.”
Counter-tariffs and remission programs
The policy maintains counter-tariffs on U.S.-made light-duty vehicles, a measure Unifor supports. However, the union said it is disappointed the tariff program does not cover heavy-duty trucks and called for immediate action on that front.
Unifor said it plans to participate in federal consultations on strengthening tariff remission measures for domestic automakers that maintain production commitments in Canada. The union wants the program recalibrated to reward companies that manufacture in Canada and penalize those that do not.
Concerns over China trade deal
The union raised concerns about the recent Canada-China electric vehicle arrangement and continues to push for safeguards against surges of China-made vehicle imports.
“Government is giving itself an opportunity to explore all options, to expand its remission program, and think strategically about leveraging our vehicle market to secure long-term investments,” said Payne.
EV infrastructure and fuel standards
The policy includes increased strategic investment funding, stronger vehicle fuel economy standards, a return of EV purchase incentives, and investment in charging infrastructure. According to Unifor, these measures will help counter the effects of U.S. President Donald Trump’s rollback of American EV policy.
“Within this new strategy we need governments to deliver clear, deliberate policies that grow good union jobs, protect our plants, and strategically transform domestic industry for a net-zero future,” said Payne.
