YFL Responds to threat of US Tariffs
Whitehorse, Yukon — Collective action is needed to support Yukon labour markets and protect Yukon workers and resources in response to the tariffs and threats to Canada, initiated by US President Donald Trump. YFL President, Teresa Acheson calls for a coordinated effort to prioritize ethical trade agreements that invest in Yukon, protect our jobs and communities and respect our land, work, and products.
“The actions taken by US President Trump are not just an attack on our economy but on our very way of life,” said President Acheson. “This has severely damaged neighbourly relations across North America and our economies. We must ensure that our Canadian products, agriculture, and natural resources and the hard work of our people are not devalued. We must stand united and advocate for trade and investments that are fair and ethical while protecting our country of Canada.”
The YFL is deeply concerned about the immediate and long-term effect this divisive action will have on our northern workers and economy. “Yukon has so much to offer in terms of our people and our natural resources,” President Acheson shares. “These actions have undermined years of collective trade and commerce across North America as well as perceptions of our neighbourly approach between countries, that we see first hand between Yukon and Alaska.”
The YFL calls for governments to engage with labour and unions in Yukon as part of the unified approach to address these attacks on our economy. “We have public and private sector unions, including international unions impacted by this and we know that Trump stated he won’t stop with just Canada and Mexico. We need all levels of government working together, with labour as a strong partner in any unified response,” Teresa Acheson added, noting that BC, Manitoba, and NFLD have already established diverse task forces with labour representation, for strategic response.
In line with grassroots efforts that support shopping responsibly, the YFL encourages Yukoners to buy local, evaluate their products of choice and consider Canadian-made alternatives to U.S.-made products and services. “It is time to be more diligent in our purchasing power by watching for Canadian-owned, Canadian-made and Canadian products,” President Acheson stated. “By supporting Canadian-owned and union-made, we invest in our future and stand up for our values. We also need our governments to invest in making local infrastructure affordable and dependable.”
These have been stressful days for many, as we hear from workers worried about their jobs and futures, knowing that even today there have been real-world consequences for many workers. On the heels of public services being cut and workforce adjustments announced (https://psacunion.ca/protecting-canadas-borders-requires-immediate), the promise made by Justin Trudeau on Feb 3 will require immediate action for securing borders and protection from criminal activity or fentanyl. President Acheson adds, “Yukon knows the dangers of these issues too well. We support action to ensure our workplaces, communities and borders are safe.”
Over the last two days, labour leaders have met with the Canadian Labour Congress, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour of Canada, and the Council of Yukon Federation of Labour. “Canadians are coming together, understanding our true value as a people and country,” President Acheson concluded. “We support a true Team Canada approach.”
