CFIB and Unifor, often at odds, find common ground in opposing US tariffs and pushing for support
Business and labour groups, often on opposite sides of economic debates, are aligning in response to the Trump administration’s 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods and 10 percent tariffs on energy exports to the US.
Both the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector union, have condemned the tariffs, highlighting their severe consequences for businesses, workers, and key industries.
CFIB President Dan Kelly warned that small businesses were already dealing with rising costs, cancelled contracts, and lower demand due to months of trade uncertainty.
Now, with the tariffs in effect, CFIB expects these challenges to intensify.
The organization has called on governments across Canada to act swiftly, noting that while many small business owners support retaliatory tariffs, they recognize the broader economic damage they could cause.
Further tariffs on steel and aluminum are expected on March 12, with additional measures targeting more products on April 2.
To mitigate the impact, CFIB has urged the federal government to recall Parliament immediately and ensure businesses receive financial support from tariff revenues.
The organization also calls for policy stability, including halting the April 1 carbon tax increase, making carbon tax rebates tax-free, and implementing the Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive.
Kelly stressed that political and policy uncertainty is the last thing the economy needs in the face of these escalating trade pressures.
Unifor, which represents 320,000 workers across multiple industries, framed the tariffs as an “economic call-to-arms.”
National President Lana Payne accused the Trump administration of provoking a trade war that would “hurt working people with higher prices for everyday goods, destroy jobs on both sides of the border and have devastating consequences for highly integrated manufacturing sectors, including auto, across Canada and the US.”
Unifor is pushing for all levels of government and industry to coordinate a response, particularly for vulnerable sectors like auto, steel, aluminum, wood products, and copper.
The alignment between CFIB and Unifor underscores the widespread economic concern over the tariffs, with both organizations calling for immediate action to support Canadian businesses and workers.
Meanwhile, provinces are taking steps to strengthen internal trade.
Last week, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston adopted a long-standing CFIB recommendation to remove interprovincial trade barriers by recognizing other provinces’ regulations.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford signalled his intent to follow suit.
CFIB has urged other provinces and territories to do the same, arguing that true free trade within Canada is now more critical than ever.
As Canada marks five years since the start of the pandemic, businesses continue to face overlapping economic crises.
Both CFIB and Unifor stress that the combination of the pandemic’s economic toll and the ongoing trade conflict with the US demands a unified national effort to protect Canadian businesses, industries, and jobs.
