On January 27, more than 30 labour leaders from Ontario’s private, public, and trades sectors came together to urgently demand action from Premier Doug Ford in response to the threat of U.S.-imposed tariffs. The coalition is calling for the establishment of a dedicated tariff taskforce and a unified strategy to safeguard workers, families, and industries throughout Ontario and Canada.
“Doug Ford’s decision to shut down the legislature—destabilizing the province in favor of heading to the polls for his own political gain—is opportunistic, reckless, and irresponsible,” said Laura Walton, President of the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL). “It’s not Doug Ford who will pay the price; it’s Ontario workers and their communities.”
“The diversity of sectors the IAM represents and the kind of damage tariffs would wreak on the Ontario economy if we don’t focus on that threat is clear,” said Kim Valliere, IAM union’s International Representative. “We don’t need the distraction of a provincial election right now.”
The union leaders criticized Ford’s decision to call an election, saying it is a reckless diversion from the real issue at hand. “This election is not what we need right now. We need to focus on the tariffs that threaten half a million workers. If we don’t act, it will have devastating consequences on Ontario’s economy,” said Kevon Stewart of the United Steelworkers (USW). Tariffs threaten vital industries like steel, aluminum, auto, and manufacturing, which could cost thousands of jobs.
Further, workers from all sectors, including healthcare, education, and trades are already struggling, and the tariffs could worsen their challenges. In healthcare, there’s a severe shortage of nurses, with hospitals overwhelmed and patients waiting hours or days to be admitted. More than 1.5 million Ontarians have no access to a primary care doctor or nurse practitioner. The education sector is also under strain, with teachers and staff facing increasing pressures and already struggling to meet the needs of students.
Labour leaders are urging Ontarians to stay focused on the immediate crisis. “We cannot afford distractions like elections right now. If the elections do go forward, we urge people to vote for workers’ rights and economic stability,” said Fred Hahn, President of CUPE Ontario. “We need a government that works for us and with us. One that prioritizes the well-being of workers, families, and communities.”
“Bad governments are elected by people who don’t bother to vote.”
The IAM union was also present, standing together with workers across sectors in the fight to secure jobs, families, and communities from the growing tariff threat.
Kim Valliere, IAM union’s International Representative, also had an interview with Marit Stiles, Leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP), where they discussed the importance of voting in the upcoming provincial elections. “We need a government that’s going to stand by workers, that’s going to fight for everyday people.” Stiles said.
Both Valliere and Stiles emphasized the crucial need to get out the vote in the upcoming election. “We’re going to be talking to our members, to communities. We need an Ontario that fights for workers, not for the interests of the wealthy and powerful,” Valliere said. “This election is about changing the direction of this province and fighting for the future of all Ontarians.”
The labour leaders also highlighted the troubling fact that more than $200 million is being spent on an election, money that could have been used to address urgent matters like the healthcare and tariff crises. “We need elections that are done for the people, not for personal gain.” said a union spokesperson.
If the elections do proceed, unions are urging everyone to vote wisely, as the future of Ontario’s workers is at stake. Together, workers are stronger, and it’s time for leadership that prioritizes the well-being of everyone.
