NDP calls for tougher response to alarming manufacturing job losses in Ontario

TORONTO -- Ontario NDP Shadow Finance Minister Jessica Bell (University--Rosedale) sounds alarm on manufacturing job losses and calls on the Ford government for stronger measures to protect jobs. The following is her statement:

“These numbers are alarming. Ontario is losing tens of thousands of jobs in key industries, including manufacturing and agriculture.

“We are seeing the direct impacts of Trump’s tariff threats. It’s time to show up for workers while the U.S. attacks good Canadian jobs. Instead, the Ford government is using their new mandate to divide our province with wrong priorities and power grabs.

“We need to keep people working and stop good jobs from leaving. That means more support for tariff-exposed industries, tough measures to stop manufacturers from leaving the province, and deeper investment in public infrastructure construction to create and keep Ontario jobs. We need to look after people and strengthen our economy.

We are in a trade war and the stakes have never been higher. It’s time to put Ontario and Ontarians first.”

Year over year, Ontario has lost 25,100 jobs in manufacturing, 26,700 goods-producing jobs, and 21,400 jobs in transportation and warehousing. Earlier this week, Trump increased tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to double from 25% to 50%.