OTTAWA,
ON, Aug. 1, 2024 /CNW/ - Unifor is calling for
the federal government to implement a series of tough and
comprehensive measures as part of ongoing public consultations on
protecting Canadian autoworkers from China's unfair electric vehicle trade
practices.
"Canada has everything we need
to build the electric vehicles of the future in our own backyard,
including a highly-skilled workforce, deep roots in auto
manufacturing, and the critical minerals needed to supply the
industry," added Payne. "The United
States and the European Union have responded proactively to
the threat posed by unfair imports and now it's time for
Canada to do the same."
Unifor's recommendations call on the federal government to
implement comprehensive rules, surtaxes and enforcement mechanisms
that bring Canada into alignment
with policies proposed by the United
States and sufficiently protect the country's growing
electric vehicle supply chain. The union's recommended measures
include:
- Imposing a surtax above existing tariff rates on Chinese-made
electric vehicles of 100%, batteries of 25%, and critical minerals
of 25%, all of which bring Canada
in line with measures proposed by the
United States.
- Protecting Canada's supply
chain transition with additional surtaxes on critical component
parts from China, including
electric motors and battery cell material.
- Extending and expanding EV purchasing incentives for Canadians
and disqualifying vehicles that are subject to a surtax under
section 53 of the Customs Tariff Act.
- Including "connected vehicle" technology among the list of
sensitive areas for foreign investment reviews and monitor the
outcomes of an ongoing U.S. investigation into information and
communications technology (ICT) in vehicles.
- Equipping Canada's border
services officials with resources and guidance to withhold goods
crossing the border suspected of forced labour, including from
China.
"Working-class communities all across Canada have been hurt before by governments
that have signed unfair trade deals or failed to listen to workers
and organized labour," added Payne. "Canada must implement these recommendations in
order to protect good auto jobs and build a more prosperous,
fairer, cleaner and resilient economy for all."
Unifor is Canada's largest
union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every
major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working
people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in
Canada and abroad and strives to
create progressive change for a better future.
SOURCE Unifor