We’ve all been facing tough times – dealing with the challenges of COVID over the past few years, battling runaway inflation, and facing rising costs.
Our last round of bargaining led to a province-wide strike to settle rising costs, and now, here we are again, staring down the return of U.S. President Donald Trump, a man who has shown he’s willing to bring chaos back to the White House.
In addition, he’s threatening unprecedented tariffs that could harm our economy and the global economy. In Canada, the construction sector would be hit with significant price hikes and supply chain disruptions if the tariffs are fully enforced. Roughly 30% of Canada’s construction materials come from America.
This year, the private sector plans to invest more than $227 billion in construction projects, while the public sector plans $139 billion. A 25% tariff increase could prevent progress on those projects.
What’s even more alarming is President Trump’s apparent hostility towards Canada. This is shocking, considering the long-standing alliance between our two countries. Canada has stood by the U.S. in times of need: we allied with America during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. We didn’t participate in the Vietnam and Iraq wars, but we were there during the War in Afghanistan, where many Canadians made the ultimate sacrifice fighting alongside U.S. forces.
After the 9/11 attacks, Canada helped stranded Americans by offering refuge in Gander, Newfoundland, and welcoming them into our homes. More recently, we sent water bombers to California to help with wildfires without being asked. Yet President Trump seems to forget these acts of friendship, discounting everything Canada has done for its neighbour. President Trump is nothing more than a bully, and as someone who grew up learning how to handle bullies, I can tell you that the best way to deal with them is to stand up to them. It’s only then that you see just how small they really are.
President Trump seems to think he can make Canada the 51st state, even threatening to defeat us economically, assuming we’ll come crawling to him. But that’s not who we are. Canadians are not going to be intimidated. None of us want to be Americans. Why would we when their life expectancy is shorter because their country is saturated with guns? I’m not against gun ownership, but the idea of everyone owning multiple firearms seems unnecessary – especially those with mental health or domestic violence issues.
President Trump argues that he’s imposing harsh tariffs on all Canadian goods due to concerns over the country’s handling of fentanyl and migrants. However, recent data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reveals that Canada has its own reason to be concerned about what’s crossing the border from the U.S. There has been a surge of illegal American drugs and firearms, which experts and law enforcement say are driving crime, addiction, and fatalities on this side of the border as well.
We are safer in Canada because we have sensible gun regulations. Our healthcare system ensures that even the most vulnerable are cared for. We are a more equitable society, with a tax system designed to benefit everyone, not just the wealthy. In contrast, the U.S. tax system disproportionately benefits the rich and leaves the poor behind.
As Canada continues to navigate a rapidly changing global landscape, it’s essential to prioritize strategies that foster long-term economic growth.
Constructing oil pipelines across the country to link resource-rich provinces with refineries in Ontario, Quebec, and Eastern Canada will enhance energy security and stimulate job creation.
Substantial investments in green energy – such as solar, wind, hydroelectric power, and nuclear energy – will diversify Canada’s energy mix and support the country’s climate objectives.
Making skilled trades apprenticeship training free would encourage a skilled workforce and address labour shortages, while removing interprovincial trade barriers ensures smoother commerce across the country, maintaining high standards of safety and quality.
Increasing compensation for employment insurance and extending full benefits for retraining workers until reemployment will ensure Canadians are supported in times of transition.
Allowing Supplemental Unemployment Benefit (SUB) plans to increase without clawbacks also ensures workers’ financial security during periods of change.
Investing in Arctic defence and infrastructure while meeting NATO obligations by 2028 and striving for 5% of GDP by 2040 will position Canada as a strong global player in defence and security.
On the trade front, enhancing relationships with the European Union, Great Britain, and South American markets while exploring stronger ties with Asian democracies will increase exports and diversify Canada’s trade portfolio.
Under Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Party has increasingly adopted rhetoric similar to President Trump and has behaved in a bullying manner over the past several years. We deserve better. We need a leader who can unite us, not one who seeks to divide us – especially when we are coming together to tackle serious challenges in trade.
Mark Carney, the Liberal candidate for leader, brings an impressive economic background to the table. As former head of the Bank of Canada, he helped navigate the country through the 2008 recession, and as chair of the Bank of England, he managed the fallout from Brexit. His innovative ideas, such as the proposal for modular homes from the UBC House Lab, deserve closer examination.
Carney’s plan to meet Canada’s 2% NATO defence spending target is sensible. He recognizes that how we allocate taxpayer dollars matters just as much as the amount we spend. Instead of investing in American-made equipment and jobs, we should focus on supporting Canadian manufacturing and employment.
As you know, we are part of an international union based in Washington, and all our Canadian members, including myself, are proudly Canadian. But I’m also proud to be part of an international union, one that was created to stand up against the growing power of multinational corporations. International unions remain incredibly relevant today because of the challenges we face as workers cross borders. Being Canadian or American doesn’t change the fact that we all share the same struggles.
At a recent meeting of Canadian business managers, including Regional Director Patrick Campbell, we all expressed concern about the potential impact of tariffs on our members and the economy. We agreed to coordinate our efforts to protect our membership as best as possible. So, later this month, I’ll attend a General Executive Board meeting in Washington, where I’ll seek solidarity with our American Brothers and Sisters against tariffs that hurt workers on both sides of the border.
More than that, I’ll stand up for the sanctity of Canada’s independence. I’m confident that the General Vice Presidents and General President John Downey will have no interest in pursuing misguided actions against their biggest ally and trading partner.
The only positive outcome of all this drama is that President Trump has inadvertently reinvigorated Canadian patriotism overnight. It’s heartening to see Canadians set aside their differences and commit to solidarity after a time of bitter division. As Union members, we know there’s no obstacle we can’t tackle when we stay united.
This Saturday is Flag Day, marking the 60th anniversary of the Canadian flag. Several former prime ministers are calling on Canadians to express their national pride and “show the flag.” I encourage all our members to join in and proudly wave the Canadian flag on Saturday, making it clear where we stand. In the face of President Trump’s economic and sovereignty threats, let’s show our pride and solidarity and remind the world what it means to be Canadian.
In solidarity,
Mike Gallagher
Business Manager, IUOE Local 793
