Auto Workers in Canada’s ‘Ford City’ Brace for Fallout from Trump’s Tariffs
The ripple effects of trade policy are hitting close to home in Windsor, Ontario, where auto workers in Canada’s Ford City are bracing for the economic fallout from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed push for auto tariffs. With deep ties to American manufacturing and a shared automotive supply chain, the historic city—often called the Detroit of Canada—is facing growing uncertainty about the future of its workforce.
As Trump campaigns on reshoring auto production and penalizing foreign-made cars, many fear that the once-thriving cross-border industry could be upended, placing thousands of Canadian jobs at risk.
Windsor is home to one of Ford’s oldest and most established production plants, employing generations of workers whose livelihoods have long depended on seamless trade between Canada and the United States.
A Century-Old Industry Faces a New Test
For more than 100 years, Windsor has been the beating heart of Canada’s automotive industry. Families like the Lawtons—now in their fifth generation working for Ford—are proud of their legacy. But that pride is turning into anxiety.
“We’ve weathered downturns and strikes,” says Chad Lawton, an assembly line worker. “But this feels different. These tariffs aren’t just political—they’re personal.”
Under Trump’s tariff proposal, vehicles and parts imported from countries like Canada could face steep new duties, intended to push manufacturing back to U.S. soil. The impact would not only raise the cost of cars but also disrupt production cycles that rely on parts moving fluidly across the border.
Windsor’s Dependence on Cross-Border Trade
Ford City and surrounding areas depend heavily on integrated supply chains that stretch across Michigan’s border into Ontario. Auto parts made in Windsor often cross the border several times before a car is fully assembled.
Trump’s proposed tariffs could mean:
- Higher prices for parts and finished vehicles
- Reduced orders for Canadian suppliers
- Delays in production due to customs checks
- Layoffs or reduced shifts at assembly plants
Industry analysts warn that even the threat of tariffs could deter investment or prompt automakers to relocate operations.
Workers, Unions, and Officials Sound the Alarm
Auto workers in Canada’s Ford City are not alone in their concerns. Unifor, the union representing Canadian auto workers, has called for urgent dialogue between Ottawa and Washington to protect the industry.
“This is about jobs, families, and entire communities,” said Lana Payne, Unifor President. “We need a strong, coordinated response to avoid economic devastation.”
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens has also voiced concern, urging both federal governments to recognize the mutual benefits of an integrated automotive economy.
Ottawa’s Balancing Act
The Canadian government faces a diplomatic challenge: responding to the tariff threat without escalating tensions. Officials have expressed hope that trade agreements like the USMCA will help shield Canadian auto exports, but many believe stronger advocacy is needed.
“There’s too much at stake to stay silent,” said one local lawmaker. “We must defend every job, every factory, every supplier.”
A Community on Edge
In Windsor’s neighborhoods, cafes, and union halls, the conversation is the same: What happens if the tariffs go through? Many workers fear that decades of loyalty to the industry may not be enough to weather this storm.
While some remain optimistic that cooler heads will prevail, others are preparing for the worst—tightening household budgets and considering retraining programs as a precaution.
The Unseen Cost of Trade Wars
As auto workers in Canada’s Ford City brace for the fallout from Trump’s tariffs, their story highlights the human side of geopolitical decisions. Beneath the headlines are workers, families, and communities with deep-rooted ties to cross-border collaboration.
What’s at stake is not just steel and engines—it’s stability, dignity, and a way of life built on decades of shared industry between neighbors. Whether that legacy can survive another trade war remains to be seen.
