THUNDER BAY – With escalating trade tensions south of the border, the NDP is promising bold action to protect Canadian jobs, defend workers in the auto sector, and reform Employment Insurance (EI) to better serve Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.
Speaking from a campaign stop, Yuk-Sem Won, NDP candidate for Thunder Bay—Rainy River, emphasized the stakes for local workers as former U.S. President Donald Trump renews economic threats targeting Canadian industries.
“New Democrats will make sure Thunder Bay workers aren’t left behind as Trump escalates his assault on Canada,” said Won. “We will hold American companies accountable and stop them from packing up and leaving Ontario’s communities behind.”
Better EI for Real-Life Challenges
In addition to standing up for union jobs, the NDP is proposing significant improvements to Employment Insurance, including:
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A universal 360-hour eligibility threshold, making EI more accessible
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Coverage for contractors and self-employed workers
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Extending benefits to 50 weeks and eliminating the one-week wait period
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Expanding EI work-share programs to help avoid layoffs by spreading hours and keeping businesses operating
These reforms are particularly important for Thunder Bay’s diverse workforce, which includes skilled trades, contractors, service sector workers, and Indigenous workers in remote and seasonal jobs.
“The people of Thunder Bay deserve elected officials who will fight for them,” added Won. “The NDP will be there for your family—not just in times of crisis, but with a real plan for long-term security.”
Jagmeet Singh’s Four-Point Plan to Protect Canadian Auto Jobs
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Redirect Tariff Revenues to Workers
All revenue collected from counter-tariffs will go directly to support workers and communities hit hardest by trade action—not into general revenue. -
Stronger Employment Insurance
The NDP will strengthen EI to ensure it meets the real needs of workers, especially during economic downturns or plant closures. -
Ban Asset Stripping from Auto Plants
Companies that received taxpayer-funded support will be barred from gutting Canadian facilities or exporting machinery and tooling paid for by the public. -
Buy Canadian. Build Canadian. Drive Canadian.
The NDP will mandate Canadian-made vehicle procurement by federal agencies and require U.S. automakers to use Canadian-made parts or partially assemble in Canada to access the domestic market. Singh also pledged to exempt Canadian-made vehicles from GST to boost affordability and support local manufacturing.
