Tory MP Jamil Jivani concerned there’s no labour minister amid Trump’s tariffs

By Canadian Press on May 14, 2025.

OTTAWA — Conservative MP Jamil Jivani has written a letter to the new minister of jobs and families saying he is concerned that Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet does not include a minister of labour at a time of economic uncertainty amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Jivani, who represents Bowmanville—Oshawa North, says his region is facing significant challenges due to layoffs at the General Motors assembly plant in Oshawa, Ont., and shift cuts in the automobile sector that .has been upended by Trump’s 25 per cent duties on vehicle imports to the United States.

Jivani says Trump’s tariffs on Canada’s auto industry threaten the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of workers and many Canadians are concerned there’s no longer a specific cabinet minister dedicated to labour.

Carney shook up his Liberal cabinet Tuesday and appointed Patty Hajdu as both minister of jobs and families as well as minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.

The prime minister also appointed John Zerucelli the secretary of state for labour — which is essentially a junior minister.

The Conservative MP called on the prime minister to reinstate a full labour minister into cabinet and work directly with unions businesses and industry leaders.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 14, 2025.

The Canadian Press