Canada's private sector trade union Unifor is calling on the nation's leading grocery chains, including those owned by Empire, Loblaw and Metro, to focus on sourcing and promoting Canadian-made products.
The appeal comes as a response to trade policies under the new Trump administration in the US, which have negatively impacted Canadian workers.
As of 6 February 2025, the US has postponed the imposition of a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods for 30 days.
The Canadian initiative aims to fortify local industries and safeguard employment.
In a letter to CEOs, Unifor National President Lana Payne urged them to improve visibility for Canadian-made products on store shelves, aiming to boost local industries and safeguard Canadian employment.
Payne said: "Canadian workers and their families are ready to defend against the Trump tariff threat and we need Canadian grocers to do their part.
“These unfair tariffs are a direct attack on Canadian jobs. We are encouraging Empire, Loblaws and Metro to help their customers support Canadian workers and companies.
"It's part of our union's call to go beyond 'buy Canadian' - we need to 'make Canadian' and create good union jobs at the same time."
Unifor is pushing for grocery retailers to give preference to Canadian suppliers, ensure all private label brands are produced within the country and seek alternative sources for products currently imported from the US.
The union has outlined specific measures for grocery chains to implement, including clear identification of Canadian goods through distinctive signage such as shelf tags and stickers, strategic shelf placement, end-of-aisle displays and promotional activities within flyers and sales campaigns.
Unifor represents more than 11,000 workers within Canada's grocery sector and thousands more linked to the nation's food supply chain — including processing, warehousing and distribution.
The union has launched its Protect Canadian Jobs campaign as part of a broader effort to fortify the economy against external threats.
The Ontario government recently directed the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) to stop selling all alcoholic beverages from the US, both in-store and through online channels.
