New Democrat MP Charlie Angus has called for a nationwide boycott of Amazon following the company’s decision to close seven warehouses in Quebec, a move that has resulted in the loss of thousands of full-time jobs. Speaking alongside union representatives, Angus accused Amazon of failing to provide fair severance to laid-off workers and urged the federal government to cut all ties with the company, including cancelling contracts and reclaiming subsidies, reads a CBC report.
Angus also criticized Amazon owner Jeff Bezos for selling merchandise referring to Canada as the "51st state," calling it a mockery of the country. The boycott appeal aligns with broader tensions between Canada and the United States, as Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh recently encouraged Canadians to support local products in response to U.S. trade policies.
The controversy comes amid a temporary pause on U.S. tariffs, initially set to impose a 25 percent levy on Canadian imports. While former U.S. President Donald Trump has delayed the tariffs for 30 days, Ottawa has threatened retaliatory measures on $155 billion worth of American goods.
Union leaders, including Félix Trudeau, president of the Laval, Quebec, Amazon warehouse union, insist Amazon must provide adequate compensation to affected workers. They argue that Canada should not support a company that prioritizes profits over fair treatment of employees.
The NDP’s call for action is expected to spark further debate over corporate accountability, workers’ rights, and Canada’s economic relationship with the U.S.
