TORONTO – As Canada’s new federal Cabinet is sworn in today, the United Steelworkers union (USW) is congratulating incoming ministers and calling for urgent action to meet the expectations of Canadians workers.
“With the trade war escalating and workers facing mounting uncertainty, this Cabinet has a critical responsibility to deliver results,” said Marty Warren, USW Canadian National Director. “We congratulate the new ministers and stand ready to work with them – but our message is clear: Canadian workers are watching, and they expect bold leadership and action.”
Since the beginning of the trade war, during the electoral campaign and following the election of a new Liberal government, the USW has called for immediate action to address the economic fallout of the U.S.-led reckless trade war. The union is also expecting this new government to implement a forward-looking industrial strategy and policies to protect and create good union jobs, invest in domestic manufacturing and infrastructure, defend fair trade and ensure no worker is left behind. Ministries responsible for Labour, Finance, Innovation, Industry, Trade and Natural Resources and Foreign Affairs have a key role to play in delivering these priorities.
“We’re seeing the impact of U.S. tariffs already – layoffs, stalled projects, and growing anxiety in communities that depend on steel, aluminum, forestry, critical minerals and manufacturing. Producers across Canada are reporting delays, investment freezes, and cost increases tied directly to U.S. measures.,” Warren said. “This is not the time for symbolic gestures. The government must respond with real investments, stronger trade enforcement and clear support for Canadian industries and workers.”
The union emphasized the need for the government to back up its promises with clear direction to ministers in their mandate letters. The USW is calling for stronger domestic procurement rules that prioritize Canadian-made materials and union labour, along with investments in infrastructure and strategic industries. The union also urges full protection for workers impacted by trade disruptions or industrial shifts, measures that make it easier for workers to join a union and defend their right to collective bargaining and robust trade enforcement mechanisms to ensure a level playing field for Canadian producers and workers.
“This Cabinet must be ready to stand up for working people in every decision they make,” Warren said. “That means building an economy where jobs are secure, industries are resilient and every worker can organize for better pay, safety and respect.”
With 225,000 members across Canada, the USW pledged to continue working with federal ministers, Parliamentarians and allies to deliver concrete results for workers and their communities. The union is urging this Cabinet to deliver clear timelines, targeted support and open dialogue with labour to ensure accountability and real progress.
The USW represents 225,000 members in nearly every economic sector across Canada and is the largest private-sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.
Each year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because of the union’s strong track record in creating healthier, safer and more respectful workplaces and negotiating better working conditions and fairer compensation – including good wages, benefits and pensions.
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