About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges facing Canada's auto industry and the implications of Alberta's use of the notwithstanding clause during a teacher strike.

U.S. President Donald Trump is clear and consistent: he wants Canadian auto sector jobs on his side of the border. He's refused to craft a side deal on autos and has plainly said he'll increase tariffs until it makes no economic sense for Canada to build cars. This week on "It's Political" we look at whether the auto industry is worth saving, and how it could be propped up – despite the uncertainty Trump creates. Then, we'll shift gear and talk about uncertainty of a different kind. In Alberta, this week, the UCP government invoked the notwithstanding clause to end a three-week teacher strike. What's behind the move? We'll talk to the Alberta Federation of Labour which is trying to organize a potential general strike, and a constitutional lawyer about the greater meaning and consequence of Alberta's decision. In this episode: 3:23 — Saving the auto sector with Unifor Local 200 President John D'Agnolo, Former Toyota Canada executive Stephen Beatty, Centre for Future Work Director Jim Stanford, and Western University's Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing's Managing Director Brendan Sweeney. 41:33 — The fight against Alberta's use of the notwithstanding clause with Alberta…

People in this episode

Host: Althia Raj

Guests: John D'Agnolo, Stephen Beatty, Jim Stanford, Brendan Sweeney, Gil McGowan, Marion Sandilands

Topics covered

• auto industry
• tariffs
• teacher strike
• notwithstanding clause
• Alberta politics
• labour rights

Keywords

• Canada auto industry
• Trump tariffs
• Alberta teacher strike
• notwithstanding clause
• labour movement
• politics
• UCP government

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Alberta Federation of Labour, UCP, Toyota Canada, Western University, Centre for Future Work

Places: Canada, Alberta, United States

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