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August 25, 2026 |
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Tariff response only a start; workers need stronger support: BCFED
The tariff response and worker relief measures announced today by the federal government represents a solid start, but workers will need much more comprehensive support and relief, BC Federation of Labour President Sussanne Skidmore said today.
“The EI provisions Prime Minister Carney announced today mostly just extend temporary measures already in place. The benefits are often inadequate, and far too many workers are falling through the gaps in the system as it is,” Skidmore said.
“We know how bad this could get for a lot of BC workers, and I’m glad to see that government gets it. BC workers were under a lot of pressure long before trade talks collapsed, and things were hard enough already without this body blow.
“Insecurity and job loss ripple through communities, and the ones who are likely to be hit the hardest and earliest are the ones already struggling. Working people and their families are counting on our governments to provide supports that meet the challenges they’re facing.”
She added that government support to business should come with strings attached around employment. “Keeping people on the job has to be the overriding priority for any business support the government provides,” she said.
“Unions understand completely when and why you walk away from a bad deal, and we’re glad Canada did. But unions walk away with a plan in place to help our people make it through. Governments must do the same.”