Ford government MPP blames U.S. tariffs for job losses in his riding
The Ford government is facing accusations it has abandoned its promise to 'protect Ontario' from U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs after a major yarn maker shuttered its retail storefront and manufacturing facility in a southwestern Ontario community.
Spinrite — which makes yarn and sewing thread — recently announced the closure of its Listowel, Ont., facility, shedding more than 140 jobs in the community of fewer than 10,000 people.
The decision was so impactful on the small town of North Perth that the local municipality issued a statement calling it 'shocking' and promising to help the families of workers at the plant.
The Ford government also acknowledged the closure at Queen's Park before the legislature rose for its summer break, blaming the job losses on tariffs from Trump.
'I want to share with this House that Spinrite in Listowel, unfortunately, is closing its manufacturing production,' government whip Matthew Rae, who represents the area, said on June 4.
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'That was announced yesterday—140 jobs gone from rural Ontario. And the number one reason is the U.S. Trump tariffs, period. That is the reason.'
Government critics, however, pointed out that the Progressive Conservatives ran their most recent election campaign under the promise they would 'protect Ontario' from the impacts of tariffs.
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'Ford promised to protect Ontario jobs,' Ontario NDP MPP Catherine Fife said in a statement. 'Press releases and empty words won't stabilize these tariff-vulnerable sectors during this storm. Ontario urgently needs a new industrial strategy that strengthens local manufacturing, making sure workers aren't left behind. People need action, not excuses.'
The Spinrite closures come as Ontario struggles with growing unemployment figures.
The latest data from Statistics Canada shows the unemployment rate in Ontario sits at 7.9 per cent, with the province facing 'an uncertain economic climate brought on by the threat or imposition of tariffs on motor vehicle and parts exports.'
Asked about the unemployment figures, the government has said it is working to make sure 'Ontario not only weathers the storm, but emerges stronger and more competitive.'
Auto makers, as Statistics Canada indicated, have been hit particularly hard.
Several major plants located in southwestern Ontario have announced a series of temporary shutdowns and closures since tariffs on auto parts and vehicles were imposed.
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Stellantis in Windsor, Ont., has initiated shutdowns, while the Ford plant in Oakville remains closed for retooling. A Brampton Stellantis plant, which was closed for retooling, has 'temporarily' paused that work, while GM cut the third shift at its Oshawa facility.
The Ford government has yet to announce direct relief for the auto sector or others in response to tariffs, but it did create several streams in its most recent budget.
The Progressive Conservatives also included a $1-billion-plus manufacturing tax credit and the $5-billion Protecting Ontario Account, which officials said companies could access once they had exhausted other forms of federal or provincial funding relief.
A spokesperson for Vic Fedeli, the minister of economic development, job creation and trade, said the government was working hard to keep jobs in the province.
'In the face of global economic uncertainty caused by President Trump tariffs and tariff threats, our government is taking action to protect the more than 800,000 workers in Ontario's manufacturing sector,' they said in a statement.
'Through our 2025 Budget, we are providing over $30 billion in tariff relief, including $1.3 billion to expand the Ontario Made Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit to ensure manufacturers continue to invest in their operations, employees, and growth right here in Ontario, as well as $11 billion in relief for workers and businesses.'
Global News contacted Spinrite to ask if it had applied for support from the provincial government before closing its Ontario facility. A response was not received in time for publication.
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CTV News
37 minutes ago
- CTV News
L.A. police swiftly enforce downtown curfew as protests against Trump's immigration crackdown continue
Protesters gather to denounce ICE, U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement, operations Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo / Damian Dovarganes) LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles police swiftly enforced a downtown curfew Tuesday night, making arrests moments after it took effect, while deploying officers on horseback and using crowd control projectiles to break up a group of hundreds demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. Members of the National Guard stood watch behind plastic shields, but did not appear to participate in the arrests. Hours later, many of the protesters had dispersed, although sporadic confrontations continued that were much smaller than in previous nights. Officials said the curfew was necessary to stop vandalism and theft by agitators looking to cause trouble. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier accused Trump of drawing a 'military dragnet' across the nation's second-largest city with his escalating use of the National Guard. He also deployed Marines, though none were seen on the streets Tuesday. Newsom asked a court to put an emergency stop to the military helping federal immigration agents, with some guardsmen now standing in protection around agents as they carried out arrests. He said it would only heighten tensions and promote civil unrest. The judge set a hearing for Thursday, giving the administration several days to continue those activities. The change moves troops closer to engaging in law enforcement actions like deportations as Trump has promised as part of his administration's immigration crackdown. The Guard has the authority to temporarily detain people who attack officers but any arrests ultimately would be made by law enforcement. Trump has activated more than 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines over the objections of city and state leaders. They were originally deployed to protect federal buildings. Demonstrations have spread to other cities nationwide, including Dallas and Austin, Texas, Chicago and New York, where a thousand people rallied and multiple arrests were made. In Texas, where police in Austin used chemical irritants to disperse several hundred demonstrators Monday, Republican Gov. Greg Abbott's office said Texas National Guard troops were 'on standby' in areas where demonstrations are planned, Abbott spokesperson Andrew Mahaleris said Tuesday evening. Guard members were deployed to San Antonio, according to assistant police chief Jesse Salame. He said he did not know how many were sent or details on the deployment. L.A. mayor puts curfew in place Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass declared a local emergency on the fifth day of protests and said the curfew will run from 8 p.m. Tuesday until 6 a.m. Wednesday. She said it was expected to last for several days. 'We reached a tipping point' after 23 businesses were looted, Bass said during a news conference Tuesday. The curfew covers a 1 square mile (2.5 square kilometres) section of downtown that includes the area where protests have occurred since Friday. The city of Los Angeles encompasses roughly 500 square miles (1,295 square kilometres). The curfew doesn't apply to residents who live in the designated area, people who are homeless, credentialed media or public safety and emergency officials, according to Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell. McDonnell said 'unlawful and dangerous behavior' had been escalating since Saturday. 'The curfew is a necessary measure to protect lives and safeguard property following several consecutive days of growing unrest throughout the city,' McDonnell said. Trump says he's open to using Insurrection Act Trump left open the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act, which authorizes the president to deploy military forces inside the U.S. to suppress rebellion or domestic violence or to enforce the law in certain situations. It's one of the most extreme emergency powers available to a U.S. president. 'If there's an insurrection, I would certainly invoke it. We'll see,' he said from the Oval Office. Later the president called protesters 'animals' and 'a foreign enemy' in a speech at Fort Bragg ostensibly to recognize the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Trump has described Los Angeles in dire terms that Bass and Newsom say are nowhere close to the truth. In a public address Tuesday evening, Newsom called Trump's actions the start of an 'assault' on democracy. 'California may be first, but it clearly will not end here. Other states are next,' he said. Newsom warned people against inciting violence, but urged them to stand up to the president's actions. 'What Donald Trump wants most is your fealty, your silence. To be complicit in this moment,' he said. 'Do not give it to him.' The protests began Friday after federal immigration raids arrested dozens of workers in Los Angeles. Protesters blocked a major freeway and set cars on fire over the weekend, and police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades. The demonstrations have been mostly concentrated downtown in the city of 4 million. Thousands of people have peacefully rallied outside City Hall and hundreds more protested outside a federal complex that includes a detention center where some immigrants are being held following workplace raids. Despite the protests, immigration enforcement activity has continued throughout the county, with city leaders and community groups reporting ICE present at libraries, car washes and Home Depots. School graduations in Los Angeles have increased security over fears of ICE action and some have offered parents the option to watch on Zoom. McDonnell said that police had made 197 arrests on Tuesday, including 67 who were taken into custody for unlawfully occupying part of the 101 freeway. Several businesses were broken into Monday, though authorities didn't say if the looting was tied to the protests. The vast majority of arrests have been for failing to disperse, while a few others were for assault with a deadly weapon, looting, vandalism and attempted murder for tossing a Molotov cocktail. Seven police officers were reportedly injured, and at least two were taken to a hospital and released. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested Tuesday that the use of troops inside the U.S. will continue to expand. The Pentagon said deploying the National Guard and Marines costs $134 million. ___ Jake Offenhartz, Jaimie Ding, Lolita C. Baldor And Tara Copp, The Associated Press Baldor and Copp reported from Washington, D.C. Associated Press writers Dorany Pineda and Christopher Weber in Los Angeles, Amy Taxin in Orange County, California, John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio, Jim Vertuno in Austin, Texas, Hallie Golden in Seattle, and Greg Bull in Seal Beach, California, contributed to this report.
Canada Standard
an hour ago
- Canada Standard
World Cup: A Year Out, Growing Attacks on Rights
(Amsterdam) - The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) should take immediate and demonstrable steps to safeguard human rights for all people involved in the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, the Sport & Rights Alliance said today. With just one year until the monumental event kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and only days until the Club World Cup kicks off on June 14, 2025, escalating attacks on human rights and civil freedoms threaten to undermine FIFA's human rights commitments and responsibilities. "In 2018, the US, Mexico, and Canada provided clear human rights commitments in their bid documents to host the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup," said Andrea Florence, executive director of the Sport & Rights Alliance. "Despite FIFA's mantra that 'football unites the world,' a World Cup held under discriminatory and exclusionary policies risks deepening social divides rather than bridging them. FIFA should exert its leverage and demand concrete, legally binding guarantees that human rights won't be further sacrificed for the sake of the game." In its statutes, Human Rights Policy, and 2026 Bidding Process Guide, FIFA accepts its responsibility to respect human rights in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The Bidding Process Guide specifically requires would-be hosts to document their commitment to "ensur[ing] that the hosting and staging of the Competition do[es] not involve adverse impacts on internationally recognized human rights." The guide gives particular attention to "labor rights, the rights of children, gender equality, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and protecting all individuals from all forms of discrimination." The Sport & Rights Alliance has identified several critical areas where government policies in the 2026 host countries, particularly the United States under President Donald Trump, pose significant and immediate risks to the human rights of immigrants; freedom of the press and free expression; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) rights; safety for children; and the right to be free from discrimination, requiring urgent and transparent intervention. Discriminatory Immigration Policies FIFA anticipates that as many as 6.5 million people could attend the 2026 tournament across the host countries. The current US administration's abusive immigration policies, including enforced disappearances under the Alien Enemies Act, travel bans, increased detention, and visa restrictions, threaten the inclusivity and global nature of the World Cup. Despite President Trump's executive order stating that teams qualifying for the 2026 Men's World Cup will be exempt from travel bans, as of now fans and extended family members from banned countries will not be allowed to enter the United States. Delays, denials, and the real prospect of detention for fans, media, and other participants from specific countries could severely disrupt the tournament. "FIFA should publicly acknowledge the threat US immigration and other anti-human rights policies pose to the tournament's integrity and use its leverage with the US government to ensure that the rights of all qualified teams, support staff, media, and fans are respected as they seek to enter the United States regardless of nationality, gender identity, religion, or opinion," said Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch. "FIFA should establish clear benchmarks and timelines for the US policy changes needed to ensure respect for immigrants' rights during the 2026 World Cup and beyond." Human Rights Watch wrote to FIFA on May 5 to say that it should use its leverage to push the Trump administration to roll back discriminatory immigration policies in the United States. FIFA responded on June 3, stating that it "expects ... host countries take measures to ensure that any eligible persons who are involved in the Competition are able to enter the respective countries," and "is actively working on this matter with relevant authorities." FIFA also said it would engage with relevant authorities if it becomes aware of human rights concerns. "Fans travel to the World Cup to celebrate and express their passion, and any attempt to curtail our fundamental rights, including the right to free speech, is a betrayal of the spirit of football," said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe. "We're particularly concerned about the potential for selective enforcement and discrimination against fans based on our perceived political views or national origin. FIFA must obtain the necessary guarantees to ensure fans from all over the world are able to safely travel and attend the games." Right to Protest; Freedom of Expression With the 2026 Men's World Cup potentially serving as a spotlight for public criticism and controversy, the escalating crackdowns on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, particularly for people engaged in speech and protest related to Palestinian rights, is deeply troubling, the alliance said. Students and activists have been detained and their visas revoked for speaking out about their views. The Trump administration has also deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles following protests against immigration arrests, claiming they constitute an act of "rebellion" against the government. FIFA's stated commitments to free expression have also previously been contradicted when it has imposed rules prohibiting players and fans from making political or religious statements. At the 2022 Men's World Cup in Qatar, for example, Iranian fans displaying "Woman, Life, Freedom" banners were removed from stadiums, while rainbow flags were confiscated at a number of matches. "The ability to peacefully protest without fear of retribution is a cornerstone of a free society, yet is increasingly under threat in the United States," said Daniel Norona, Americas advocacy director at Amnesty International USA. "There is a long history of peaceful protest in global football. FIFA and the US authorities must ensure that the World Cup does not become a pretext for stifling dissent or expanding mass surveillance, and every player, fan, journalist, and resident can participate and protest without fear of sanction, arbitrary detention or discriminatory treatment." Discrimination, Violence against LGBTI People The increasing legislative and rhetorical attacks on the rights of LGBTI people, particularly transgender people in the United States, underscore the current administration's intention to erase transgender people from public life and dismantle crucial human rights protections. Discriminatory laws and the hostile political climate around LGBTI rights in the United States could directly threaten the security, bodily autonomy, dignity, and inclusion of LGBTI fans, players, and workers at the 2026 Men's World Cup. In Mexico, LGBTI people, and especially trans and gender-diverse people, face violence across the country, which affects their daily lives and participation in public events. Federal and state authorities should take urgent steps to prevent and punish violence against LGBTI people, with particular attention to the specific risks faced by trans and gender-diverse communities. "The alarming discrimination and violence against LGBTI individuals in the United States and Mexico cast a chilling shadow over the promise of an inclusive World Cup," said Gurchaten Sandhu, director of programs at ILGA World. "As organizer of the event, FIFA should demand that all host cities and states uphold universal human rights, ensuring no fan, worker, or athlete faces discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, or sex characteristics, and that any discriminatory laws are actively challenged and nullified." Press Freedom Journalists covering the 2026 Men's World Cup face distinct and alarming risks in both Mexico and the United States. Mexico consistently ranks among one of world's most dangerous and deadly countries for media professionals, who face threats, harassment, and violence from both organized crime and public officials. The pervasive impunity for these crimes creates a chilling effect and zones of silence in which critical information is suppressed. In the United States, journalists could face intrusive screening, social media monitoring, and be denied entry based on perceived political views, undermining their ability to report independently. "Journalists covering the World Cup must be granted unimpeded access, free from arbitrary restrictions, detention, or violence," said Antoine Bernard, advocacy and assistance director at Reporters Without Borders (RSF). "FIFA and the local authorities must implement exceptional measures to protect all media workers - not only ensuring smooth entry for foreign press but actively safeguarding all journalists who will be covering large crowds, excited spectators, and potential protests, and addressing the systemic impunity that allows violence against them to persist. Local law enforcement's policies need to be strengthened to ensure the distinction of journalists from demonstrators, bystanders, and fans, and they must clearly communicate the policies they intend to follow in ensuring this distinction, in full respect of journalists' freedom and independence." Labor Rights The immense scale of the 2026 Men's World Cup will necessitate a massive workforce in host cities to staff stadiums, hospitality, transport, and more. The Trump administration's dismantling of federal programs and anti-union sentiment increase the risk of exploitation and child labor, wage theft, and unsafe working conditions for these critical workers. "The extensive network of contracts for stadium construction, hospitality, and event services in the host cities must be built on a foundation of respect for workers' rights," said Luc Triangle, general secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). "We are gravely concerned that without strong, enforceable labor protections, this tournament will inadvertently fuel precarious work and child labor, suppress wages, and deny workers their fundamental rights to organize and bargain collectively. FIFA must demand robust social dialogue and binding agreements to protect every worker contributing to this World Cup." Transparency and Anti-Corruption The Sport & Rights Alliance also harbors significant concerns related to low governmental transparency and weak anti-corruption regulations in and around the 2026 Men's World Cup, particularly given recent policy shifts in the United States and Mexico. As the tournament approaches, robust oversight and unwavering commitment to ethical principles are needed to prevent the exploitation of this global event for private gain at the expense of human rights and public trust. "The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place in a global context where anti-corruption efforts are increasingly under strain," said Tor Dlvik, special adviser at Transparency International. "All host countries and FIFA must uphold their anti-corruption responsibilities by establishing comprehensive risk management mechanisms that close potential loopholes for corruption, and reliable systems for detecting and reporting irregularities. Full transparency regarding all expenditures related to the World Cup-before, during, and after the events-will be vital in building trust and ensuring integrity throughout the process." FIFA's Responsibility FIFA, as the chief actor responsible for an event that will leave a tremendous footprint, needs to conduct an updated human rights due diligence assessment and unequivocally leverage its influence to ensure that the 2026 Men's World Cup is a rights-respecting and rights-advancing event. A new human rights due diligence assessment should consider the need for tangible commitments to reverse discriminatory policies, strengthen protections for historically marginalized groups, ensure substantial accountability for human rights abuses, and establish truly effective, transparent, and independent grievance mechanisms for people to seek support and a remedy. Failure to act decisively risks irrevocably tarnishing the legacy of the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup and setting a dangerous precedent for future mega-sporting events. *** The Sport & Rights Alliance's mission is to promote the rights and well-being of those most affected by human rights risks associated with the delivery of sport. Its partners include Amnesty International, The Army of Survivors, Football Supporters Europe, Human Rights Watch, ILGA World (The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association), the International Trade Union Confederation, Reporters Without Borders, Transparency International, and World Players Association, UNI Global Union. As a global coalition of leading nongovernmental organizations and trade unions, the Sport & Rights Alliance works together to ensure sports bodies, governments, and other relevant stakeholders give rise to a world of sport that protects, respects, and fulfills international standards for human rights, labor rights, child wellbeing and safeguarding, and anti-corruption. Source: Human Rights Watch
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Asian shares climb after China and the U.S. say they have a framework for seeking a trade deal
TOKYO — Asian shares mostly rose Wednesday after China and the U.S. said they had agreed on a framework for following up on the trade truce reached last month in Geneva. U.S. futures fell while oil prices edged higher. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 surged 0.6% in afternoon trading to 38,450.76. Data from the Bank of Japan data showed wholesale inflation slowed in May, meaning there might be less pressure for the central bank to raise interest rates in its next policy board meeting. Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 0.9% to 24,381.39, while the Shanghai Composite rose 0.5% to 3,402.97. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 edged up 0.2% to 8,603.70. South Korea's Kospi added 1.0% to 2,900.05. Tuesday on Wall Street, the S&P 500 rose 0.5% to 6,038.81 as the trade talks between the world's two largest economies carried into a second day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2% to 42,866.87, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.6% to 19,714.99. Stocks have roared higher since dropping roughly 20% below their record two months ago, when President Donald Trump shocked financial markets with his announcement of tariffs that were so stiff that they raised worries about a possible recession. Much of the rally has been due to hopes that Trump would lower his tariffs after reaching trade deals with countries around the world, and the S&P 500 is back within 1.7% of its record set in February. Analysts said that after two days of discussion in London, the late-night agreement reached appeared to be a consensus on what was already agreed upon before. Even so, Trump's approval is still needed. 'So what did 48 hours of talks actually produce? Apparently, a reaffirmation to eventually do what they had already said they would do. If markets were expecting substance, they got process instead,' said Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said Tuesday evening in London that talks with China were going 'really, really well.' Both the United States and China have put many of their tariffs on each other's exports on pause as talks continue. Still, uncertainty over what is to come is still affecting companies and their ability to make profits. Designer Brands, the company behind the DSW shoe store chain, became the latest U.S. company to yank its financial forecasts for 2025 because of 'uncertainty stemming primarily from global trade policies.' The company, which also owns the Keds, Jessica Simpson and other shoe brands, reported a larger loss for the start of the year than analysts were expecting, and its revenue also fell short of forecasts. CEO Doug Howe pointed to 'persistent instability and pressure on consumer discretionary' spending, and the company's stock tumbled 18.2%. The uncertainty is moving in both directions, to be sure. A survey released Tuesday of optimism among small U.S. businesses improved a bit in May. 'While the economy will continue to stumble along until the major sources of uncertainty are resolved, owners reported more positive expectations on business conditions and sales growth,' according to Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist at the National Federation of Independent Business. Tesla helped to make up for such losses by rising 5.7%. The electric vehicle company has been recovering since tumbling last week as Elon Musk's relationship with Trump imploded. That raised fear about possible retaliation by the U.S. government against Tesla. Shares that trade in the United States of chipmaking giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. rose 2.6% after the company known as TSMC said its revenue in May jumped nearly 40% from the year earlier. In other dealings early Wednesday, the yield on the 10-year Treasury eased to 4.48% from 4.47% late Tuesday. Benchmark U.S. crude oil gained 8 cents to US$65.06 a barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, edged up 2 cents to $66.89 a barrel. The U.S. dollar rose to 145.08 Japanese yen from 144.84 yen. The euro cost $1.1418, down from $1.1425. Yuri Kageyama, The Associated Press
