Job security a concern for many GTA residents as US tariffs take effect: survey

More than four in five residents of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are feeling the effects of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, with significant implications for household budgets and job security, according to a report.

Specifically, 84 per cent of Torontonians report being affected in some way by U.S. tariffs, reports CityNews, citing a Canada Pulse Insights poll.

Among those impacted, nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) say the tariffs have led to an increased cost of living. The economic strain is particularly acute in sectors such as steel, aluminium, copper, automobiles, and lumber, which have been directly targeted by the tariffs.

Job security concerns

Job security is also a concern, with 28 per cent of respondents expressing anxiety about potential job losses linked to the ongoing trade dispute.

This unease is compounded by broader apprehension about the future direction of the United States—58 per cent of Torontonians surveyed said they are fearful about where the U.S. is headed, and 59 per cent have chosen not to travel south due to the continuing tariff war.

Here are some ways employers can support workers amid the tariffs issue, according to People Corporation:

• Leverage your benefits and assistance programs: Remind employees of the resources available to help them cope with stress or financial strain.
• Provide financial education and market guidance: Consider organising financial wellness workshops or webinars for your staff. Topics could include budgeting under inflation, strategies for managing debt, or understanding RRSP/TFSA investment basics.
• Communicate transparently and often: Make it a priority to communicate regularly with your employees about how the company is responding to economic conditions.

Support for Prime Minister 

Business leaders across the country are calling for increased government support, improved access to capital, and meaningful tax reform as Canada prepares for its upcoming federal budget, according to a recent report from KPMG.

Support for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s approach to the tariff issue remains strong in Toronto and the GTA. Nearly one-third of respondents believe Carney is best suited to negotiate with the Trump administration on behalf of Canadians, compared to Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre. This confidence in Carney’s leadership extends beyond Ontario, with support levels reaching 56 per cent in Edmonton, 59 per cent in Calgary, and a notable 77 per cent in Vancouver.

The poll also sheds light on shifting consumer attitudes, according to CityNews. A significant 43 per cent of Torontonians say they are actively seeking out Canadian-made products and avoiding U.S. goods, even if it means paying higher prices or having fewer options. Another 35 per cent plan to buy more Canadian products but will still consider American goods if cost or availability becomes a deciding factor. Additionally, 68 per cent of respondents support removing U.S. liquor and wine from store shelves in response to the tariffs.

Previously, the federal government announced it is investing $1 billion in a significant expansion of support for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) amid the trade dispute with the U.S. Ontario also announced it is investing $70 million to expand training and employment services for workers affected by U.S. tariffs and related economic uncertainty.

Response to U.S. tariffs

Here are some measures the Canadian federal government has taken in response to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration:

• Sept. 1, 2025: Canada removed counter-tariffs on U.S. goods, with the exception of those on steel, aluminium, and autos.
  • Effective September 1, 2025, Canada removed 25 per cent tariffs on certain goods imported into Canada from the United States. This includes removing tariffs on:
    • $14.2 billion in goods that had been in place since March 13, 2025
    • $30 billion in goods that had been in place since March 4, 2025
  • Canada’s tariffs on steel, aluminium, and automobiles remain in place.
     
• April 3, 2025: The U.S. imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian automobiles.
  • Canada’s countermeasures include:
    • Effective April 9, 2025, Canada imposed 25 per cent tariffs on non-CUSMA compliant vehicles imported into Canada from the United States, and 25 per cent tariffs on non-Canadian and non-Mexican content of CUSMA-compliant vehicles imported into Canada from the United States.
    • In addition, a remission framework for auto producers that reflects and incentivises production and investment in Canada has been implemented and is available.
       
• March 12, 2025: The U.S. imposed tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian steel and aluminium products.
  • Canada’s countermeasures include:
    • Effective March 13, 2025, Canada imposed 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on a list of products totalling $29.8 billion, including:
      • $12.6 billion in steel products
      • $3 billion in aluminium products
      • $14.2 billion in additional imported U.S. goods (including tools, computers and servers, display monitors, sports equipment, and cast-iron products)
         
• March 4, 2025: The U.S. imposed tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian exports, and 10 per cent on energy product exports from Canada.
  • Canada’s countermeasures include:
    • Effective March 4, 2025, Canada imposed tariffs on $30 billion in goods imported from the U.S.
    • This includes products such as orange juice, peanut butter, wine, spirits, beer, coffee, appliances, apparel, footwear, motorcycles, cosmetics, and certain paper products.

Canadian business leaders are sounding the alarm over the future of U.S.-Canada trade, with the vast majority warning that losing current protections under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) would be the greatest risk to their companies, according to KPMG.