When affordability is top of mind for everyone, a trade war that raises the cost of living for American and Canadian families and businesses is simply wrongheaded. Trump’s new review of the Canada-U.S. trading relationship is a call for us to pull together—not pull apart.

The Canada-U.S. relationship is deeply intertwined and has been for decades. It’s business-to-business, union-to-union and people-to-people. Canadian workers and businesses contribute to American industry in ways that support 1.4 million jobs, improve standards of living and even sustain entire communities—and vice versa. Whether it’s the steel from Hamilton that builds bridges in Michigan or the produce from California that stocks grocery shelves in Ontario, or the automobiles that cross the border multiple times before being driven off the lot, the integration of our economies has created bonds that should be strengthened, not severed. 

Our economic relationship is enviable and with enviable results. Because when we work together, both countries thrive. That’s true for business. That’s true for labour. That’s just true.

The effects of indiscriminate tariffs would ripple through every part of our economies, disrupting supply chains, displacing workers, reducing real incomes, inflating costs for consumers, and destabilizing industries. This unavoidable — and most would think, undeniable — outcome is why Canadian workers, businesses and governments at all levels are rallying together to make sure decisionmakers in the U.S. fully understand what’s at stake for our longstanding partnership.

The threat of tariffs is a painful reminder of the importance of standing together to defend the interests of workers and businesses in the face of collective economic challenges. On this, labour and business, and all of Canada, are united—but specific actions are needed.

For the workers who will be displaced, Canada needs a proactive, comprehensive response to mitigate the effects of the U.S. trade measures. Local, provincial/territorial and federal governments must work closely with labour organizations and businesses to ensure that workers, communities and industries are supported through advance planning and preparation. If certain industries are harder hit, we need to be there to support each other through such measures as helping workers be retained or at least get adjustment assistance.

At the same time, tariffs are a reminder for us to focus on what we can control.

If times are tough for U.S. focused export industries, we can diversify our trading partners.

If our physical infrastructure is inhibiting us from trading across Canada and around the world, we can address the gaps in our ports and pipes, roads and rails.

If Canada needs a competitive edge, we can focus on building up industries here at home, from affordable housing to innovative manufacturing to agriculture that feeds Canadians in need.

Protecting the livelihoods, communities, businesses and workers that rely on the strength and stability of Canada’s trade partnerships is job one for us. And there’s a lot business, labour and government can do right now to build a better economy for everyone.

Business and labour may not always stand together, but ensuring the shared economic success of Canada and the U.S. is our common ground. When we’re united, it means a better life for all Canadians—and Americans.

By: Bea Bruske, President, Canadian Labour Congress and Candace Laing, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce