Local MPs want national task force on tariffs

Canadian businesses and manufacturers, including those in the Windsor area, are scrambling from ministry to ministry trying to get the latest correct information regarding tariffs being imposed in the U.S.

Local MPs this week called on the federal government to create a national task force to make it easier and less time-consuming for company leaders to get the right answers.

“People are looking for help depending on their situation in order to protect their business and jobs they represent,” said MP Tracey Ramsey (NDP — Essex), the party’s international trade critic.

“We need a national task force that would include government, industry and labour who will collaborate on challenges to better navigate the difficult times we are facing.”

The national task force could also work on long-term strategies on manufacturing, global steel overcapacity and trade diversification, she said.

“This goes beyond tariffs on steel and aluminum — and potentially autos,” Ramsey said. “We need to be prepared for whatever comes next from the U.S. “Protecting jobs is not just a Windsor issue, but across Canada. This is something that needs to be done, so hopefully they put politics to the side.”

Ramsey was joined by fellow local MPs Brian Masse (NDP — Windsor-West) and Cheryl Hardcastle (NDP — Windsor-Tecumseh) in a joint letter to Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland that urges her to create the federal tariff task force.

“The creation of a task force would signal a strong commitment to all whose jobs are jeopardized by these harmful tariffs,” the letter said.

“Even more important, it would be backed up by action and boots on the ground. We simply cannot afford to lose jobs because of red tape, unclear processes, lack of resources and lack of long-term solutions.”