The uncertainty of U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policy was the subject of a town hall meeting hosted by Unifor.
More than 100 people attended the “People’s Trade Town Hall” Wednesday evening. The meeting, hosted by Unifor Local 200 and 444, is the fifth event organized across the country to document the ideas and experiences of residents and trade deals.
Local 444 president Dave Cassidy says the recent tariffs imposed by the U.S., European Union and Canada impact everyone.
Essex MP Tracey Ramsey, who is the NDP international trade critic, was the guest speaker.
"We are in a trade war. I don't think there is any question at this point and it is workers that are in the crosshairs of that trade war,” Ramsey told the crowd.
Ramsey added trade is an issue that affects every worker, and every community.
She said this is especially evident as the U.S. escalates a trade war with attacks on Canadian industries including auto, steel and aluminum.
"Vehicles are built out of steel and aluminum so the 10 percent to 15 percent tariffs will very shortly start to impact everyone's jobs in Windsor-Essex,” said Ramsey. “With these looming auto tariffs of a potential 25 percent that could come down as early as Labour Day, this could be devastating to our region far more so than the economic downturn that we've already experienced.”
Ramsey encourages Canada "to retaliate if we are going to maintain the health of our steel and aluminum and ultimately our domestic auto industry."
Findings of the town halls will be used to create a summary report that Unifor will submit to the federal government to guide future trade deals.
