The Importance of Worker Representation on the Canada, US Relationship Council on Tariffs

We are pleased that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has named trade unionists to the newly created Canada-U.S. Relations Council. This will ensure that workers’ representatives have a voice in vital negotiations affecting many workers’ livelihoods and job security. Strong worker advocates at the table are needed to balance power and keep workers’ rights front and center.

Unifor National President Lana Payne and Senator and former Canadian Labour Congress President Hassan Yussuff are worker representatives and potent voices for workers. The fact that other folks like Rachel Notley and her former chief of staff Brian Topp, as well as other strong worker advocates, have seats at the table is excellent news. Their presence at the table will allow this committee to tap into their experience, ensuring that workers’ challenges are met head-on and that the council’s decisions have the workers’ best interests at heart.

As a Federation of Labour in our province, we understand how critical it is to have worker representatives at the table. Their inclusion is vital for inclusive representation and advocacy for workers in our evolving relationship with the United States. However, it is not just advocacy but also about creating opportunities. One hopes their voices can kick start a discussion so our country can start and take more control over exporting our natural resources. Imagine taking those exported Canadian raw materials and building a finished product in our country. This transformation will elevate our status in the value-added chain and create thousands of local jobs, bringing hope for a brighter future. These engagements should make Trump appreciate our ability to process, refine, and transform products locally.

If we, as a country, could build up our capacity to process these raw materials into finished products in Canada, they would become higher-value-added products that would sustain and create good jobs, diversify our exports, and benefit our workers, the economy, and the country. This is not just about economic growth; it’s about strengthening our country and workforce.