UFCW Canada National President Barry Sawyer joins Prime Minister’s roundtable on supporting workers amid trade tensions

Ottawa – September 2, 2026 - UFCW Canada National President Barry Sawyer joined Prime Minister Mark Carney and other union leaders for a roundtable discussion focused on supporting Canadian workers and updates on Canada-U.S. trade.

The discussion comes as workers, families, and communities continue to face uncertainty from new tariffs and retaliatory tariffs. For workers in industries connected to cross-border trade, including food production, processing, agriculture, retail, hospitality, and manufacturing, changes to trade policy can have a direct impact on jobs, wages, working conditions, and the cost of everyday necessities.

UFCW Canada has been calling for trade policies that put workers at the centre and protect good union jobs while strengthening Canada’s economy. National President Sawyer emphasized the importance of supporting Canadian production, strengthening domestic supply chains, and ensuring workers have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their livelihoods.

“Workers cannot be an afterthought as Canada responds to changing trade relations,” said UFCW Canada National President Barry Sawyer. “We need to make sure workers and their families are protected from the impacts of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs, while investing in good jobs and strengthening the industries and supply chains that keep our communities moving.”

UFCW members work throughout the supply chains that connect Canadian producers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. Disruptions to these supply chains can create challenges for businesses and workers while also putting upward pressure on prices.

UFCW Canada is urging governments to take action to protect workers from the impacts of trade uncertainty and support industries that provide good, stable jobs. This includes measures that strengthen Canada’s domestic economy, protect workers facing job loss or reduced hours, and ensure workers have access to the supports they need during periods of economic disruption.

Canadians can also support workers by choosing Canadian, union-made products whenever possible. UFCW Canada has compiled a list of Great Canadian Food Products made by UFCW members across the country, making it easier to support unionized workers and the communities they call home.