Canadians are scared—and they have every right to be. A new Leger poll suggests that 40 per cent of Canadians are worried about losing their jobs as businesses pull back on hiring in response to the ongoing trade war with the United States. This isn’t just an abstract economic concern; it’s a real, pressing issue affecting people’s livelihoods. And when people are afraid, they stop spending, which only worsens the economic downturn.
The anxiety is especially high in Ontario, where over half of workers reported concerns about job security—the highest level in the country. It’s not surprising, considering how much rhetoric during the recent provincial election focused on the negative effects of Trump’s tariffs. The uncertainty is also being felt in British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, where between 35 and 39 per cent of workers fear for their jobs. Meanwhile, Quebec seems to be the least concerned, with only 26 per cent of respondents worried about unemployment. But regardless of location, the unease is growing.
What’s particularly concerning is the rise in the number of Canadians who are “very” worried about their jobs. In early March, 11 per cent of those concerned about job loss described their fear as severe. By mid-March, that number had climbed to 15 per cent. The trend suggests that confidence in job stability is eroding quickly, and for good reason—especially when 46 per cent of respondents say they’re already living paycheque to paycheque.
This fear isn’t just psychological; it’s economic. The Bank of Canada has confirmed that 40 per cent of businesses are scaling back their hiring and investment plans due to trade uncertainty. This is an alarming figure. Businesses that hesitate to hire and invest create a domino effect—when jobs disappear or fail to materialize, consumer confidence plunges, and spending declines. And when people aren’t spending, businesses suffer even more, leading to further job cuts. It’s a vicious cycle.
The impact is particularly stark in industries that depend on exports to the U.S. Three out of four workers in mining, oil, and gas fear for their jobs, along with 60 per cent of those in manufacturing. Even traditionally stable sectors like finance, insurance, and real estate aren’t immune, with almost half of workers expressing concern. These numbers paint a grim picture of what’s happening across Canada.
Labour leaders are already seeing the effects. Canadian Labour Congress president Bea Bruske has spoken to workers who are considering selling their homes, fearing future layoffs. Some have already happened, including at Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie. Employers are nervous, warning unions that more job cuts could be coming. The uncertainty is palpable.
Even more troubling is the slowdown in manufacturing orders from U.S. clients. If companies can’t secure enough demand, it’s only a matter of time before more layoffs occur. The reality is that tariffs aren’t just hurting trade; they’re putting real Canadian workers in a precarious position.
So what’s the solution? Governments at both the federal and provincial levels need to step up with policies that protect workers and encourage job stability. That could mean temporary relief measures, job retraining programs, or incentives for businesses to keep workers employed despite economic uncertainty. The worst thing we can do is ignore the warning signs and assume this will pass on its own.
If there’s one thing this poll makes clear, it’s that Canadians need reassurance—and action. The longer we wait, the deeper this economic anxiety will run, and the harder it will be to recover. Fear itself may not directly kill jobs, but it certainly accelerates the process when businesses and workers lose confidence in the future.
