Some of Canada’s largest labour unions and organizations have published their reaction to the announcements of prime minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation as leader of the Liberal Party and the prorogation of parliament until March 24. The desire for change has grown across the country, with the Angus Reid Institute reporting Justin Trudeau’s approval rating dropped down to 28 per cent just before the end of 2024.
Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU), an alliance that represents more than half a million skilled trades workers, said their union is grateful for the progress that was made under the Trudeau government.
“We have seen significant progress for unionized workers across the country,” CBTU executive director Sean Strickland said in a statement. “Today, tens of thousands of new workers from diverse backgrounds have high-quality, unionized skilled trades jobs.”
Lana Payne, president of Unifor which is Canada’s largest private sector union, also acknowledged that despite the low note Trudeau exits on, there have been gains for workers under that last three terms of Liberal leadership.
“Prime Minister Trudeau led a minority government that delivered key advances for workers: child care, pay equity, significant investments in the auto industry, a reversal of bad Harper-era policies on retirement and labour laws, ten paid sick days, dental care, the start of a pharmacare program. And of course, the long-awaited anti-scab legislation, to name a few,” Payne said in a statement.
Payne said it is now a critical time for the labour movement to fight for workers’ rights.
“This is a time to be firm, to stand on guard for our country and to fight like never before. Smart. Strategically. But fight. Elbows out,” Payne said. “We need serious leadership that will stand up for Canadians, Canadian jobs and this country. Because the moment requires it.”
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Canada’s largest public sector union, has taken this opportunity to voice support for the New Democratic Party led by Jagmeet Singh. In an online statement, CUPE called the NDP the only true party for workers in Canada.
“There is no question that Canada needs new leadership and, after a decade in power, the Liberals have not earned another chance, no matter who is leading them,” CUPE wrote. “The time for a change in government has come. But we need more than just change for the sake of change – we need a government that will move us forward with purpose, fairness, and a commitment to justice for all. The time has come for a shift that truly prioritizes the well-being of Canadians.”
While many have turned their minds to an upcoming election, Canada’s largest labour organization the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), has said focus should be on the future of workers.
Bea Bruske, president of the CLC, said there has been too much emphasis on the jobs of a few politicians rather than the jobs of Canadians who will be affected by ongoing issues such as president-elect Donald Trump’s threats of 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods.
“This is a moment that demands an all-hands-on-deck, cross-partisan approach to stand against economic disruption and ensure stability for the working people who drive our economy,” Bruske said. “Workers should be central to this effort.”
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