With tariffs on some Canadian goods, a global trade war, and a snap federal election on April 28, every moment of organizing is crucial. Since attending the Emergency Town Hall (find the video here), WAC members have leafleted and put up posters asking people to join the fight for emergency supports. Here’s an update on what you may have missed and what’s coming up.
No One Left Behind
Tariffs on Canadian goods going into the US will make prices go up. When American businesses and consumers choose not to buy high-priced goods from Canada, many businesses will lay off workers. One million workers in Canada could lose their jobs in the first year with more to follow.
Many workers are afraid, since we’re already in an affordability crisis. What will the government do? The federal government has set aside $40 billion to protect businesses through programs and bailouts. But for workers they’ve made small, temporary changes to EI and to a work-sharing program that only helps unionized workers.
We urgently need all levels of government to bring in emergency supports. Here’s a summary of the demands:
- A $600 weekly income support for laid off workers, including migrants and misclassified workers
- Fix Employment Insurance permanently so that it’s accessible and adequate
- Stop increases in the cost of rent, the price of food, and interest rates
- Increase funding to public services like childcare, education, healthcare and transit
- An end to corporations increasing profits without paying their fair share
More tax dollars from big corporations can fund our public services. Keeping services like healthcare and education public is the only way that workers like us can afford them. Well-funded public services create more public sector jobs and ensure that workers and our communities get better service.
For example, the Ontario Nurses’ Association knows that Ford’s underfunding of healthcare is dangerous. Severe understaffing in our hospitals leaves patients unsafe and nurses overworked. Nurses and allies took action at 183 hospitals on March 20 to demand better nurse-to-patient ratios!
Now is the time to push all levels of government to put workers first and invest in our communities.
Ontario Election Results
The Ontario election happened over a year earlier than it was supposed to. This put Premier Ford in a good position to win. With little time and lots of snowfall, many didn’t have the chance to learn more about their candidates or go out to talk to their neighbours. Though Ford was re-elected, his party does not have as much support as it seems. This graphic shows the decisions of all of Ontario’s eligible voters:
Federal Election on April 28
Mark Carney is now the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, and he became the new prime minister on March 14. Carney called a snap federal election to take place on April 28. Now’s the time to talk to your candidates about our demands for a workers-first agenda that leaves no one behind! Send an email to your federal and provincial representatives. If your candidate knocks on your door or attends a community event, ask them if they will bring in emergency supports for workers.
Minimum Wage Adjustments
On April 1, the federal minimum wage went up from $17.30 to $17.75 an hour. We won this annual adjustment to ensure wages keep up with inflation! There are about 910,000 federally regulated workers covered by the Canada Labour Code. They’re in Industries such as banking, transportation, telecommunications, and mining.
Ontario’s minimum wage will go up from $17.20 to $17.60 on October 1, 2025. We know it’s not enough, but it’s an important win for workers. In 2015, the adult minimum wage was only $11. Ten years later, the average wage has gone down 36%. But because of the law we won, the minimum wage will have gone up 61% in October to keep up with the cost of living! Let’s keep up the fight for at least $20, equal pay for equal work, and more.
WAC Updates
We are sending less printed newsletters, and exploring how to update members in more accessible ways. For more regular updates in all languages, please download WhatsApp onto your phone and join the WAC Members Newsletter community. Or contact Shawna@workersactioncentre.org to ask to be added to the community.
The renovation of the WAC office has begun! We are temporarily in Suite 219:
- In the temporary space, computers will no longer be available to book.
- Drop-ins will continue to be by appointment only.
Upcoming Events
WAC Scarborough Social
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 | 5:30 pm – 7:45 pm
The Hub – Mid Scarborough, 2660 Eglinton Ave E (Brimley & Eglinton)
Scarborough members, please invite other workers in the community who are interested in joining the movement! Register with Shawna@workersactioncentre.org, 416-531-0778 ext 260.
Land Back: Indigenous Resistance from Coast to Coast
Monday, April 21, 2025 | 7 pm – 9 pm
Register to get the link to join this workshop exploring what decolonization and land back means in Turtle Island in 2025 and how we can support these important struggles.
Pan-Canadian Justice for Workers Organizing Meeting
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | 7 pm – 9 pm
Register for the link to join.
WAC Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Friday, June 20, 2025 | 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Native Canadian Centre of Toronto (NCCT), 16 Spadina Rd (north of Spadina subway station)
Early AGM Notice | Board Nominations
Please register before Friday, June 13 at 6 pm.
Contact Shawna@workersactioncentre.org if you need interpretation or childcare to participate.
Space is limited, so please do not invite non-member adult guests.