A Windsor member of Parliament is calling on Ottawa to take immediate action to assist Canadian industries hit by punitive new U.S. tariff rules. With local industrial jobs and livelihoods at stake, MP Kathy Borrelli (C – Windsor-Tecumseh-Lakeshore) is urging the federal government to secure a deal with the United States quickly, as recent changes to tariff calculations place immense financial pressure on the region's mould makers.
New Tariff Rules Devastate Manufacturers
The changes, quietly introduced on April 6, altered how Section 232 tariffs are applied. Previously, businesses were taxed only on the steel, aluminum, and copper content of their products. Now, the levy applies to the full value of the product, causing costs to skyrocket overnight for manufacturers.
“They can’t pay these bills,” Borrelli told the Star. “My concern is that these tool and mould companies cannot pay these high tariff bills. They’ve already negotiated the work that they’re working on now, the jobs that they’re working on now. They negotiate months in advance.”
Emergency Meetings Reveal Grim Outlook
During several emergency meetings of MPs in Ottawa last week, Borrelli said local mould makers and industry experts testified that the industry cannot absorb the extra costs. Witnesses warned that smaller and medium-sized shops may begin closing within about two months if the situation does not change, while larger firms could start shifting operations to the United States.
“That means that hundreds and hundreds of highly skilled technicians and tool and mould makers will lose their jobs,” Borrelli said. “I’m worried about them and their families. Worried about them putting food on the table and paying their mortgages.”
Industry Testimony Informs Federal Report
The standing committee on industry and technology invited 16 witnesses to testify, with at least 10 heard so far—more than half from the Windsor-Essex region. Their testimony will be used to compile a report submitted to the federal government.
While short-term financial relief could help, Borrelli emphasized that it is not a long-term solution. “The shop owners are asking for a deal, a plan, so that they can see their way forward. If they know that this can be fixed in two months, they can probably make it through … but any longer than that, they say they can’t handle it.”
Political Pressure Mounts
Borrelli and her party accuse Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government of not moving quickly enough to secure a new trade deal with Washington. However, Borrelli declined to specify what approach Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre would take to reach a deal.
“I can’t speak for Mr. Poilievre,” she said. “I believe that, I know that we care about workers and we would take the steps necessary to make sure that people could keep their jobs.”
The Star sought comment from the Prime Minister’s Office but did not receive a response ahead of print deadline on Monday.
