Statement from the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour on the 2025 Speech from the Throne

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour is deeply concerned that, once again, the government has failed to deliver a strong plan to protect public services and support workers facing tough economic challenges. The public services Canadians receive are the backbone of our communities. The speech’s talk of cutting government spending and capping the public service puts these vital services at risk. We need clear commitments to protect and expand public services, not cutbacks that hurt families and communities.

This is not the time to cut taxes for the wealthy. Workers are facing the severe economic impacts of the ongoing U.S.-led trade war. The throne speech does not offer immediate action or real solutions to help workers and industries hit by trade disruptions. We call on the government to work with unions to develop and implement an industrial strategy that focuses on protecting and creating good union jobs, investing in domestic manufacturing and infrastructure, defending fair trade, and making sure no worker is left behind.

Stronger domestic procurement rules are urgently needed. The government must prioritize Canadian-made materials and union labour for all public projects. Increased infrastructure investments should be accompanied by comprehensive worker protection measures, ensuring that workers affected by trade or industrial changes are not left behind.

We also need to empower collective bargaining and make union membership more accessible. The speech fails to mention the importance of protecting the right to organize or bargain collectively. Unions are crucial in advocating for fair wages and ensuring safe workplaces. The government must remove barriers to unionization and ensure that workers have a genuine voice at work.

Robust trade enforcement mechanisms are also needed to ensure fair competition for Canadian producers. The government must defend Canadian jobs with strong trade rules and act quickly when unfair practices threaten our industries.

Finally, decisions that impact workers must include open dialogue with labour stakeholders. We urge the government to regularly consult with unions and workers when making policies that affect jobs, trade, and public services.

The Nova Scotia Federation of Labour calls for immediate, bold action to defend public services, protect workers from the impacts of trade wars, and build a fair economy that prioritizes working people. We are ready to work with the government to make these goals a reality.