The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) has called for a united tariff response from all Ontario stakeholders as the province grapples with President Trump’s sweeping tariffs.
In a statement released on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, OFL President Laura Walton urged Ontario’s political parties, trade unions, community leaders and businesses to come together in crafting an effective response to the new economic measures.
“Ontario has only one chance to get it right,” Walton said, adding that the government must include the voices of over one million Ontario workers, represented by 54 unions, in its strategy. Walton stressed that while differences exist among various groups, common ground is essential in this unprecedented moment. “Failure is clearly not an option,” she added, highlighting that the challenges posed by Trump’s tariffs extend beyond trade issues to affect jobs, public services and community well-being.
The OFL’s call comes as Premier Ford prepares to use the new legislative session to address not only tariff impacts but also critical concerns such as healthcare and the deepening cost-of-living crisis. Walton emphasised that interprovincial trade barriers are just one piece of a much larger puzzle. “If Premier Ford is prepared to really bring all of Ontario’s voices together, then I am confident we really can win this fight,” she concluded.
The OFL’s stance underscores the urgency of a united front in safeguarding Ontario’s economy and ensuring that all sectors share in the responsibility of responding to external economic threats.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
