It’s election season. A couple of weeks ago, our new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, after just a few days in office, asked the Governor General to dissolve Parliament, triggering a general election.
Mr. Carney assumed office after winning the Liberal Party leadership, succeeding former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who served Canada for nearly a decade. Prime Minister Carney’s decision to seek a democratic mandate, especially during challenging times marked by Donald Trump’s global war against workers, was the right move. Canadians deserve the opportunity to choose their leadership during this critical period.
But Mark Carney is not the only leader on the ballot. Multiple parties and their representatives are proposing different solutions to the problems we face today. As always, I will never tell our members how to vote. However, I do urge you to consider carefully what matters most to you when you cast your ballot.
The Issues We Face
First, we need to talk about sovereignty. It’s unsettling that in 2025, Canadian sovereignty has become an election issue. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested annexing Canada and disregarding established borders, particularly around the Great Lakes. Can you imagine the catastrophic impact if American corporations drained our waterways? We must elect leaders who firmly commit to defending Canada’s sovereignty, integrity, and our foundational values.
Another critical area is protecting workers’ rights and gains. In the last decade, Canadian workers secured significant victories such as bankruptcy protection for workers’ pensions, increases in the federal minimum wage, 10 days paid sick leave for federally regulated employees, the repeal of Stephen Harper’s anti union legislation, unemployment insurance reform, affordable childcare, and other enhancements to numerous benefits. We need representatives dedicated to preserving and building upon these hard-won achievements.
Moreover, the tariffs aggressively imposed by the American administration are hurting Canadian families, workers, and communities. We must vote for candidates who prioritize protecting our jobs and industries by implementing robust social programs and support mechanisms for working Canadians. Our leaders should have concrete plans to safeguard employment, promote industry resilience, and ensure economic stability for future generations.
It will be crucial to invest in infrastructure projects, creating thousands of good-paying jobs nationwide. The Sunrise pipeline extension is a prime example of the kind of initiatives Canada urgently needs. Imagine dozens of similar projects across the country, driving economic growth and supporting communities.
Ultimately, my recommendation is this:
- Make sure you’re informed with the facts.
- Discuss and debate the issues with your colleagues, friends, and family.
- Think about what matters most to workers’ lives today.
This election is critical to our future and to the well-being of all hardworking Canadians, our families and our communities.
No matter who earns your vote, let’s ensure their principles align with defending our sovereignty, protecting workers’ rights, and securing prosperity for our collective future. Brother and Sisters, on April 28, your vote matters.
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.
