The head of the local union representing workers at the largest employer in Canada’s automotive capital says U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats feel like a “toy” that ignores the real workers whose livelihoods are at stake.
U.S. media reported Monday that White House officials had indicated Trump would not impose tariffs on Canadian exports during his first day in office.
That seemed to be the case until 8:30 p.m.
“We’re thinking in terms of 25 per cent on Mexico and Canada,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
When asked when the tariffs could be enacted, he said, “I think February 1st.”
James Stewart, president of Unifor Local 444, which represents workers at the Stellantis Windsor Assembly Plant, said the uncertainty is deeply frustrating for employees.
“I think it’s frustrating for any worker in Canada, having the insecurity of somebody really playing with your livelihood,” said Stewart. “It seems like, in some cases, this is a toy for some people when this is real life.”
Stewart said potential tariffs could be devastating for Canadian auto manufacturing, as companies may resort to job cuts to offset increased costs.
“These companies make long-term plans, and they invest a lot of money, but there’s no doubt that in the long term, if there is no resolve, that this could be devastating for our manufacturing in Canada, but specifically auto for sure.”
While some view Trump’s tariff threats as a negotiating tactic, industry experts warn the uncertainty alone could have significant consequences.
“It’s to gain leverage. It’s a ploy to get something better for the United States,” said Greg Layson, editor of Automotive News Canada, adding that Trump’s approach is a “double-edged sword.”
“Automakers have to pause and decide, do we go ahead with an investment in, say, 2027 or 2028 before we know the real ramifications of these tariffs, if he’s even going to go through with them?”
According to Layson, Canada produces nine passenger vehicles exported to the U.S., all made in Ontario.
“Of those nine, three of them are their brands’ respective number one selling vehicle in America. So don’t tell me that Trump doesn’t need our vehicles,” said Layson.
“He does, because there isn’t capacity at any of the current U.S. factories that build those vehicles to add hundreds or thousands of units per year.”
Passenger cars and auto parts are Canada’s second- and third-largest exports to the U.S.
As for Stewart, he said the union’s solution is clear: tariffs must stay off the table.
“We have a free trade agreement between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico,” he said. ”We expect them to honour it.”
