We knew this moment was coming.
Decades ago, when Canada signed its first free trade agreement with the U.S., a broad coalition of labour organizers, Indigenous leaders, feminists, and environmentalists warned that it would make us vulnerable. They predicted job losses, a weakened social safety net, and an economy increasingly controlled by U.S. interests. They were right. Over the years, we’ve watched our manufacturing sector hollow out, corporate profits soar, and our economy become dictated by the whims of billionaires.
Now, Trump threatening to throw us into deeper economic turmoil, we face a critical choice: scramble to prop up the broken system that made us so vulnerable in the first place—or seize this moment to build something better.
We have power–and we don’t have to play by their rules.
As I write this, corporate executives and oil CEOs are demanding even more handouts, deregulation, and fossil fuel expansion—all under the guise of economic security. If we take the bait, we’ll only deepen our dependence on the same industries that got us here.
We don’t have to fall for it.
Instead of clinging to a volatile fossil fuel economy, let’s use this crisis to accelerate the transition to a just, resilient economy—one where everyone can afford a home, energy is clean and affordable, workers have stable jobs with fair wages, and Indigenous rights and leadership are at the centre of our future.
We have the resources to make this happen. But only if we stop letting billionaires and mega-corporations hoard wealth while the rest of us struggle. That means an end to an economic system where oil and gas companies rake in record-breaking profits while families can’t afford their energy bills, where the ultra-wealthy exploit loopholes to avoid paying taxes while communities are starved of the resources they need, and where corporations offload costs onto workers and consumers while they line their own pockets.
That’s why, as the next step in our All of Us campaign, we’re launching a Green New Deal for a Resilient Canada—an economic vision that puts people over corporate profits.
We’ve seen this playbook before–and we refuse to let it play out again.
When crises hit, politicians too often side with corporate lobbyists while everyday people are left behind. They militarize borders, scapegoat migrants, roll back climate commitments, and pour billions into the pockets of oil and gas executives.
We have a responsibility to break the cycle of corporate greed and political capitulation.
Instead of letting billionaires and mega-corporations hoard wealth while the rest of us struggle, we can demand an economy that works for all of us. That means:
- Imposing taxes that force U.S. oil and gas companies to absorb the cost of potential tariffs–not workers in Canada.
- Introducing a wealth tax on individuals with net wealth over $10 million and shutting down loopholes that let the ultra-wealthy dodge their responsibilities.
- Raising the corporate income tax rate and implementing an excess profits tax on large corporations, like oil and gas companies.
By reclaiming this hoarded wealth, we can fund a Green New Deal that protects workers, strengthens local economies, and reduces our dependence on fossil fuels.
📢 Click here to see the full vision and take action.
This isn’t just about resisting U.S. economic bullying–it’s about ensuring long-term resilience and justice for all.
How we win: Organizing, Storytelling, and Political Pressure
Taking on an entrenched system designed to serve the wealthy at our expense isn’t easy. It’ll take more than a petition, a donation, or a well-crafted email. It will take all of us–talking to each other, organizing, and refusing to be divided.
The other side wants us to feel discouraged and overwhelmed. They want us to believe change isn’t possible.
But here’s what I know, and why I believe in the plan we’ve built together:
📢 Our voices matter and they are powerful. Conversations spark change. By talking to our communities, taking regular action, and mobilizing against the skyrocketing cost of living, climate crisis, and this looming trade war, we shift the narrative.
💡 Facts alone won’t win this fight–stories will. People connect through emotions, not just policies. When we share how these crises impact us personally, we shift public opinion and force those in power to listen.
🏛 We need to bring our stories to politicians’ doorsteps. Candidates and party leaders need to hear–loud and clear–that we’re fed up and that we know this is the moment to strengthen our resilience and fund a future that works for all of us.
Join the Fight for a Green New Deal
If you’re fed up with this rollercoaster and ready to demand leadership–not corporate capitulation–here’s how you can take action today:
👉 Tell Federal Party Leaders to champion a Green New Deal for a Resilient Canada.
👉 Join our volunteer team to organize and take action in your community.
👉 GenZ? Get involved. Join our Gen Z volunteer team to take action on campus and in your community.
At this pivotal moment, we need to protect people, not corporations. Let’s fight for a Green New Deal that delivers a better future for all of us.
Blog by Amara Possian, Canada Team Lead, 350.org