An energy plan to power our economy

The relationship between Canada and the United States has long been a cornerstone of economic stability and prosperity for workers on both sides of the border. However, the Trump administration’s recent tariffs and trade policies have created uncertainty, hurting the very workers who keep our economies running.

The Labourers International Union of North America (LiUNA), with over 500,000 members, is a force for unity, strength and perseverance, committed to building the middle class and securing good jobs. Our members are the backbone of the U.S. and Canadian economies, working in energy, infrastructure and community development — sectors that drive growth.

Continued escalation of trade disputes and protectionist tariffs reaches beyond foreign policy and into the homes of workers on both sides of the border. In an economy built on North American investment, protectionism has threatened their jobs and livelihoods. Thousands of workers face job losses, reduced wages and financial insecurity as a result of these policies.

When families are already struggling with high costs and inflation, government should be looking at new and emerging energy, manufacturing and infrastructure opportunities that drive economic growth, not policies that hold us back.

The imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods, from steel and aluminum to critical energy exports, will drive up costs for all. In sectors such as oil and gas, where stability is key to long-term investment, uncertainty results in slowed production, downsizing and project cancellations. Even with on-again, off-again tariffs, uncertainty translates directly into lost jobs for Canadian workers.

Trade policy should not come at the cost of working families — it should benefit them. The Canadian and U.S. economies are deeply interconnected, and decisions that block fair trade or reduce investment ultimately harm workers the most. If there is anything we have learned in the current political climate, it is that now is the time to focus on investment, job creation and economic growth.

That includes our energy sector. The U.S. and Canada share an integrated energy system that benefits both countries. But trade barriers continue to block Canadian energy products, including refined oil, natural gas and pipeline materials — costing jobs and economic growth.

LiUNA’s more than 530,000 members, who work predominantly in the construction industry, are the labour behind building virtually every energy project, including, solar, wind, oil, natural gas, hydropower and nuclear power. Delays in key projects leave thousands of workers behind. Without clear solutions, this risk continues to grow.

Canada’s energy sector is central to North American security and prosperity. We need leadership that will push projects forward, invest in workers and support an all-encompassing approach. For an example of this, look no further than the province of Ontario — a global leader in pro-growth policies that support an all-of-the-above strategy toward energy planning, including nuclear, hydroelectricity, transmission lines, energy storage, natural gas, hydrogen and renewables. It’s an approach that has seen foreign investment surge throughout the province, including $44 billion in electric vehicle and EV battery plants.

A central pillar of the Ontario government’s energy plan is the expansion of nuclear, understanding that we must scale up power generation to serve the needs of a growing economy. Ontario is on the trajectory to becoming a global leader in nuclear power, generating clean, reliable and affordable energy that will have a direct impact on job creation for LiUNA members and those in the building trades. This is the kind of leadership that should be the standard across the country as we work to strengthen our economic and energy potential.

As we continue to navigate the threat of tariffs, Canada’s federal government must also take responsibility for strengthening and protecting jobs in affected industries. Investing in infrastructure, supporting workforce development and negotiating fair trade agreements are essential to mitigating the impact of external economic pressures. Policymakers must prioritize agreements that foster economic stability and job creation while removing unnecessary barriers.

Beyond advocating for fairer trade terms with the U.S., Canada must also invest to ensure that projects proceed without delays, and workers in affected industries have opportunities to maintain their livelihoods. Instead of a trade war, we should be working to advance North America as a global powerhouse. By working together, we can provide more affordable and reliable energy for everyone.

If Canada truly wants to protect its workers, we have to start by fortifying our supply chains, investing in good-paying unionized jobs and fostering long-term economic stability. We must ensure that our workers are not left behind. For the sake of our industry, our communities and the success of both nations, we must come together to demand real solutions — before more livelihoods are put at risk.