An escalating trade war with the United States has pushed Unifor to launch a social media campaign aimed at urging consumers to buy Canadian.
The "I Shop Canada" campaign comes just days before Canada Day when federal government plans to implement retaliatory tariffs to counter U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.
Unifor Local 444 President Dave Cassidy says it's all about protecting Canadian jobs.
"We have a lot of great products here. So that's kind of what it is, to let them know that we're Canada, we're proud of Canada and we will try to do whatever we can to support Canadian made products which ultimately will support jobs."
He says it's about education as well.
"You go take a peek at a label and it's very difficult to find a t-shirt or a pair of shoes that is made in Canada. It just doesn't happen. It's unfortunate, but we've got a lot of opportunity here that we can but Canadian products and where we can we'd really appreciate if that transpired."
Unifor Local 444 Secretary Treasurer Dave Cassidy speaking at the rally of striking Caesars workers, May 8, 2018 (by AM800's Peter Langille)
Cassidy says, locally, consumers are already very supportive.
"Even from my local, supporting Caesars and you're shopping Canadian. You're spending your money in there. There's good restaurants in there. You continue to buy our products that we produce via the vehicles. There's lots of opportunities. So I hope that people take a serious look at it."
Canadian consumers are being asked to share photos of Canadian goods and services on social media using the hashtag #IShopCanada.
CLICK HERE for more information about the campaign.
— with files from AM800's Rob Hindi