While other contenders for the premiership are mulling over retaliatory measures for Trump tariffs, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh insists the focus must remain on laid-off employees and struggling businesses who are bracing themselves for the massive tariffs, highlighting what he calls the “insufficient” safety net of employment insurance. His premise: If the tariffs land on February 1, there could be an avalanche of job losses and closures, especially in manufacturing-heavy regions like Ontario.
“We need to have a plan in place for workers,” Singh said. “The government should pull us together, like we did during COVID, and discuss a plan that supports workers.”
Singh has historically advocated for strong social programs. EI reform, extended relief benefits, and pro-labor legislation are all integral to the NDP identity. But with the deficit already at historic highs, his readiness to “spend more money we don’t have” is prompting sarcastic head-shaking among fiscal hawks.
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“During the pandemic, we realized EI does not cover the majority of Canadian workers,” Singh added. “We called for changes to happen to EI so that we would be better prepared if something happens again that disrupts our economy. The Liberals did not listen. And so we are now in this position where we have an insufficient EI.”
In November 2024, 482,000 Canadians received regular EI benefits, a negligible change from October and down from the recent 495,000 peak recorded in August. But this number is a 3.2% jump from a year ago.
According to the latest data, around 1.1 million Canadians are active recipients of EI benefits. Since April 1, 2024, the federal government has disbursed $17.26 billion in gross EI benefits.
President Donald Trump is expected to impose 25% tariffs on key Canadian exports beginning February 1. Ontario Premier Doug Ford has warned of up to 500,000 job losses if the tariffs escalate, and industry groups fear a repeat of early-COVID disruptions.
Currently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has put Parliament on hold until late March, ironically on the same day he announced his intention to step down, triggering a leadership race. The Conservatives, Bloc Québécois, and even the NDP have previously pledged to topple the government at the earliest opportunity—though the NDP now says it might wait until key worker protections are in place.
The government reportedly has a similar pandemic-style aid package in place in preparation for the aftermath of the Trump tariffs. However, since the Parliament is in prorogation, the earliest that lawmakers can take action is late March, which is why sources say that the government relief planned has a caveat that the opposition must delay defeating the sitting minority Liberal Party in order for the changes to be voted on.
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