Canada China trade deal auto workers are warning could seriously harm Canada’s auto industry is facing strong opposition from union members in Oshawa and across Ontario.
At a union meeting Saturday, members of Unifor Local 222 gathered to hear updates on the federal government’s trade agreement with China, which allows up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles per year into Canada at a reduced tariff rate. Union leaders say the Canada China trade deal auto workers oppose opens the door to subsidized imports that threaten Canadian manufacturing jobs.
Unifor President Lana Payne told members the agreement is a “self-inflicted wound” at a time when Canada’s auto sector is already under pressure from U.S. tariffs, policy rollbacks, and ongoing layoffs. She warned that once market access is granted, Chinese automakers could rapidly expand their share, leaving Canadian workers vulnerable.
Following the discussion, Local 222 members voted unanimously to send a clear message to the federal government that Canada China trade deal auto workers do not support the reduced-tariff entry of Chinese electric vehicles at the expense of domestic jobs.
Unifor argues the agreement weakens Canada’s position ahead of the upcoming CUSMA review and risks turning Canada into a dumping ground for vehicles with little to no Canadian content. The union also warned that Canada’s independent auto parts supply chain could be severely affected.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has defended the agreement, calling it an opportunity to attract investment and increase access to affordable electric vehicles. However, Ontario Premier Doug Ford joined union leaders in criticizing the deal, describing it as “lopsided” and harmful to Ontario’s auto manufacturers and supply chain.
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