Conservative MP Jamil Jivani concerned about lack of labour minister amid Trump’s tariffs
Conservative MP Jamil Jivani has expressed his concerns to the federal government regarding the absence of a labour minister in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet during a time of economic uncertainty, particularly in light of the ongoing trade tensions with the United States. Jivani, who represents Bowmanville—Oshawa North, highlighted the challenges faced by his region due to layoffs at the General Motors assembly plant in Oshawa, Ont., as well as the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on vehicle imports.
In a letter posted on social media, Jivani emphasized the importance of having a dedicated minister of labour in the federal cabinet to address the pressing economic issues facing Canadians. He noted that the decision to relegate the labour portfolio to a junior position in government has raised concerns among many Canadians, especially those directly affected by the recent developments in the automobile sector.
The minister of labour position was eliminated in March when Carney announced his first cabinet, with Steve Mackinnon’s title changing to minister of jobs and families. On Tuesday, Thunder Bay MP Patty Hajdu was appointed to this role, while John Zerucelli was named as the secretary of state for labour. Despite these changes, concerns remain over the lack of a full minister of labour in the cabinet.
Laborers’ International Union of North America Canadian director Joseph Mancinelli criticized the absence of a full minister of labour, calling it “a slap in the face” to workers. He emphasized the importance of earning respect from labourers by prioritizing their needs and concerns within the government’s decision-making processes.
Jivani urged the prime minister to appoint a full labour minister to cabinet and to collaborate with unions, businesses, and industry leaders to address the challenges facing the auto industry. He proposed measures such as extending employment insurance for affected workers and investing in retraining programs to support those impacted by the economic instability.
Additionally, Jivani called for policies to safeguard production at the General Motors Oshawa plant for the domestic market and to promote the purchase of Canadian-made vehicles through initiatives like tax cuts. He stressed the importance of negotiating a deal that prioritizes Canada’s auto sector’s interests and taking proactive steps to mitigate the economic damage caused by the current uncertainties.
As Prime Minister Carney and his cabinet work towards strengthening the Canadian economy and protecting workers in the face of evolving economic dynamics, the role of a dedicated labour minister remains crucial in ensuring that the needs of Canadian workers are prioritized and addressed effectively.
