The past few weeks have been… intense. Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States after weeks of threatening Canada with annexation, and today, it seems like we are about to embark on a trade war between our two countries.
Like many of you, I am concerned and take these threats very seriously. The United States is indeed a powerful neighbour, but Canada stood its ground, and this stubbornness bought us some weeks of respite. Trump said that the United States doesn’t need Canada, but I believe the world needs more us.
Being Canadian means standing up for our values, our citizens, especially workers, and our economy. This isn’t the first time Canada has faced pressure, or outright threats, from the United States, and it won’t be the last. But history shows that we know how to stand strong.
Canada’s past is filled with moments where we’ve had to defend our sovereignty and identity. During the War of 1812, Canadians repelled American invasions, fiercely defending our land and way of life. Since Confederation in 1867, we have repeatedly and proudly asserted our independence, refusing to be absorbed by our southern neighbour.
This resilience defines who we are. From the coal miners of Cape Breton to the farmers of the Prairies, from the sailors and fishermen of the East Coast to the railway workers of the West, every Canadian business owner, worker and citizen has played a part in building a strong, united, prosperous and independent nation.
Uniquely Canadians
We as Canadians have many similarities with many countries around the world, including the United States, but we are also very different.
While millions of Americans struggle with exorbitant medical costs and lack of affordable insurance, Canada has a universal healthcare system that ensures every citizen has access to medical care without the fear of financial ruin. Canada also consistently ranks among the most educated countries in the world, having a higher percentage of college and university graduates than our southern neighbour.
Workers in Canada benefit from stronger labour protections, including paid parental leave, mandatory vacation and sick leave. Our country is officially bilingual, recognizing both English and French as official languages, reflecting our diverse heritage and reinforcing our unique cultural identity.
Canada also has a strong social safety net that provides employment insurance, affordable postsecondary education, childcare and pension plans that help ensure financial security for retirees. While both countries are diverse, Canada takes pride in its commitment to multiculturalism, not just as an ideal but as a fundamental part of our national identity.
On the international stage, Canada is known for its leadership in diplomacy, human rights, and peacekeeping, building a reputation as a country that values cooperation and global stability. These differences shape who we are and define the values we stand ready to defend.
In Response to This Attack on Our Nation, Workers Must Remain United
Donald Trump’s threats aren’t just geopolitical posturing. They are a direct attack on Canadian values and families who depend on jobs in transportation, manufacturing, and agriculture.
A 25% tariff could have severe impacts on the lives of hardworking Canadians and Americans. Canadian Teamsters, like other unions across the country, have always fought to defend Canadian jobs, and we will continue to do so.
But being Canadian also means understanding the power of solidarity. When faced with external pressure, we come together. Unions, businesses, and citizens all have a role to play in protecting our economy and defending our workers and our identity as a nation.
We’ve been through crises before, from trade wars to economic downturns, and we’ve always overcome them by working together.
Donald Trump wanted to test our resilience. Maybe he thought we’d buckle under the pressure. But if there’s one thing he doesn’t understand, it’s that we are a proud country, rooted in strong Canadian values, united and ready to defend our home.
My message to workers is simple: keep doing what you do best. Work hard, stand firm, and know that we have your back.
We will not allow anyone to undermine the nation we built together.
We’re Canadian. And we’ve never been afraid to Stand on Guard for Thee.
François Laporte
President of Teamsters Canada
Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Each month, François Laporte, President of Teamsters Canada, comments on the labour news cycle in a series of columns called Leading the Way. Join him as he discusses the issues facing Canadian workers from coast to coast.
