Unifor National President Jerry Dias will chair a new council to protect Ontario's rights under trade agreements with the U.S.
The U.S. Congress is debating protectionist measures that the Ontario government said could threaten industries in Ontario. That includes the auto sector, employing thousands of local workers and 100,000 across the province.
"If Ontario were a country, we would be the third-largest trading partner to the United States," said Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Vic Fedeli. "This new council, with the full support of our government, will continue to advocate for Ontario against unfair Buy American policies."
Two-way trade between Ontario and the U.S. was worth $358-billion in 2020, accounting for more than half of all trade between Canada and the United States.
Dias will provide the government with advice and recommendations to rally business leaders, elected officials, and labour leaders to protect Ontario's interests under trade agreements like the newly affirmed North American Free Trade Agreement or Canada-United States Mexico Agreement.
"We are at a critical juncture in our relationship with the United States, with coordinated action between government and labour urgently needed to protect jobs and the economy," said Dias. "Unifor represents members in multiple sectors that rely on integrated trade with America."
In addition to advising the Ontario government, members of the council will engage key allies and those with influence across the border, particularly in Great Lakes states where existing supply chains are integrated with Ontario industries and vulnerable to protectionist measures.
