Widespread Job Security Fears: 40% of Canadians Anxious Amid Trade War

Job Security Anxiety in Canada

A recent Leger poll reveals that 40% of Canadians are anxious about losing their jobs due to the ongoing trade war with the United States. Many businesses are reportedly scaling back their hiring plans in response to Trump's tariffs.

Regional Concerns

The survey, conducted between March 7 and March 10, sampled over 1,500 Canadian adults. It highlighted that over half of workers in Ontario express concerns about job security, the highest in the country. In contrast, just under one in four respondents in Atlantic Canada shared similar worries.

• 39% of individuals in British Columbia and Manitoba/Saskatchewan are worried about job loss.
• 35% of those in Alberta and 26% in Quebec share these concerns.

Gender and Age Disparities

The poll indicates that 44% of men are worried about unemployment compared to 36% of women. Furthermore, younger respondents aged 18 to 54 are more anxious than those over 55, with 42% expressing concern.

Financial Implications

Despite 61% of respondents describing their household finances as “good,” 46% reported living paycheque to paycheque. Andrew Enns from Leger notes that this widespread fear of unemployment negatively impacts the economy, causing consumers to delay purchases.

Insights on Job Loss Trends

The trend of job loss anxiety has fluctuated since the beginning of the year, peaking at 42% in late February. The recent poll shows an increase in the number of individuals who are ‘very’ concerned about job security, rising from 11% in early March to 15% in the latest findings.

Impact of Tariffs on Employment

The Bank of Canada reports that 40% of businesses are reducing their hiring and investment plans due to trade uncertainties. The economic climate has worsened since President Trump imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, further heightening anxiety among workers, especially in industries reliant on exports to the U.S.

Industry-Specific Concerns

Concerns are particularly pronounced among workers in the mining, oil, and gas industries, with nearly 75% expressing job worries, and 60% in manufacturing. Bea Bruske from the Canadian Labour Congress highlights that some businesses are not receiving as many orders from U.S. clients as usual, which may lead to more layoffs if the tariff situation persists.

“People are very worried about what their job reality is going to be,” Bruske stated, foreseeing potential layoffs if tariffs continue.