Unifor National President Lana Payne says the bottom line is automakers who want to sell their vehicles in Canada must invest and build in Canada.
The union says it welcomes measures announced yesterday by Prime Minister Mark Carney in the new National Automotive Strategy.
"We need a strategy that reassures workers that automaking has a future in Canada, regardless of U.S. trade attacks," said Payne. "The free ride must end for companies that take from Canada's $100-billion sales market while giving nothing back."
While Unifor is pleased that counter-tariffs on U.S.-made light-duty vehicles will continue, the union expressed disappointment that the measure did not include heavy-duty trucks.
Unifor said it plans to fully participate in consultations with the federal government on recalibrating the tariff remission plan so automakers are rewarded for building in Canada, while those that don't are penalized.
It remains concerned about the recent trade deal between Canada and China that allows tens of thousands of Chinese-made electric vehicles into the country. Unifor said it will continue to seek safeguards against a surge of Chinese imports.
The union also lauded strategic funding support, the return of the EV rebate, and investment in charging infrastructure, saying it will all help counter the impact of U.S. tariffs and the American pullback on electric vehicles.
"Within this new strategy, we need governments to deliver clear, deliberate policies that grow good union jobs, protect our plants, and strategically transform domestic industry for a net-zero future," added Payne.
