‘It’s fair to all’: Trump to slap trade partners with reciprocal tariffs

What’s going on?

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memo on Feb. 13 — instructing his administration to determine “the equivalent of a reciprocal tariff with respect to each foreign trading partner.”

“I’ve decided for purposes of fairness that I will charge a reciprocal tariff,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

“It’s fair to all. No other country can complain.”

The tariff increases will be customized for each country — looking to match the duties they’ve imposed on American products — with the partial goal of starting new trade negotiations.

SEE ALSO
• Trump announces ‘steel and aluminum tariffs 2.0’, Canada affected
• Trudeau, Trump agree to ‘pause’ proposed tariffs until March 1
• How Trump’s tariffs could affect Canadians: 3 key employee rights

Canadians concerned about widespread layoffs

Economic disruptions caused by tariffs often lead to layoffs.

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.

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 their 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.