Employment Law

‘We’re being mistreated’: Trump to hit Canada with 25% tariffs on March 4

An aerial view of a cargo ship transporting a variety of containers. (Photo: Venti Views / Unsplash)

What’s going on?

Following a brief trade truce, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration will proceed with a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods, effective March 4.

“We’re on time with the tariffs, and that’s moving along very rapidly,” Trump told reporters during a press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron on Feb. 24.

“We’re being mistreated by many countries, not just Canada and Mexico.”

The update comes just weeks after the U.S. imposed 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports.

SEE ALSO
‘It’s fair to all’: Trump to slap trade partners with reciprocal tariffs
How Trump’s tariffs could affect Canadians: 3 key employee rights
Doug Ford warns Trump’s 25% tariff could cost Ontario ‘500,000 jobs’


Canadians concerned about widespread layoffs

A number of employers have begun to scale back their staffing levels as they brace for Trump’s sweeping tariffs.

Here are five things that non-unionized employees in Canada need to do in the event they’re fired or let go:

1️⃣ Don’t sign anything immediately: Take your time to review all termination documents carefully. Speak with a lawyer before signing anything to ensure you’re fully informed and protected.

2️⃣ Document everything: Save copies of employment contracts, termination letters, severance offers, and correspondence with your employer for future reference.

3️⃣
Use our Severance Pay Calculator: Estimate what you’re owed with our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator. This will help you understand your entitlements and plan your next move.

4️⃣ Get legal advice:
Contact an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP to ensure your severance package reflects your full rights.

5️⃣ Start exploring new opportunities: Update your resume and begin searching for new roles. Proactively seeking work not only boosts your career, but also demonstrates your effort to find a new job, which is important in severance claims.

💡 Wrongfully dismissed? Our firm can review your situation and advise you of potential next steps in the event that you were wrongfully dismissed.


Why Samfiru Tumarkin LLP?

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, we’ve helped over 50,000 clients secure fair severance packages — recovering millions of dollars for non-unionized employees across Canada.

With extensive experience representing workers in roles at small businesses and large organizations across various industries, our team provides the expertise you need to navigate your termination effectively.

SEE ALSO
Should I negotiate my own severance package in Ontario?
What Albertans need to know about negotiating severance
Negotiating severance in B.C.: What employees need to know


WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru explains the difference a legal professional can make in certain situations on an episode of the Employment Law Show.


We specialize in assisting non-unionized employees in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia — ensuring rights are fully protected.

In addition to employment law, our firm handles disability claims and personal injury cases.

Call 1-855-821-5900 today or request a consultation online.


Disclaimer: The materials provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and DO NOT constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a legal representative at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

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