The NDP is calling for a Canada-wide boycott of Amazon over warehouse closures in Quebec, urging the government to cancel contracts and reclaim subsidies.
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| NDP MP Charlie Angus calls for a nationwide Amazon boycott over warehouse closures and urges the Canadian government to cut ties with the company. Image Courtesy: CBC (CA) |
Ottawa, Canada — March 1, 2025:
New Democrat MP Charlie Angus is calling for a nationwide boycott of Amazon in response to the company’s decision to shut down seven warehouses in Quebec, a move that has resulted in the loss of thousands of full-time jobs. Speaking alongside union leaders, Angus urged the federal government to cancel all contracts with Amazon, force the company to return federal subsidies, and ensure laid-off workers receive fair severance.
Angus also criticized Amazon owner Jeff Bezos for selling merchandise referring to Canada as the "51st state," calling it an insult to the country. He argued that Amazon’s actions show a disregard for Canadian workers and sovereignty.
The call for a boycott comes as trade tensions between Canada and the United States escalate. Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh recently encouraged Canadians to support locally made products, responding to a now-paused U.S. tariff plan. Former U.S. President Donald Trump had proposed a 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports, prompting Ottawa to threaten retaliatory measures worth $155 billion.
Félix Trudeau, president of the Laval, Quebec, Amazon warehouse union, stated that the company must take responsibility for its workforce and accused Amazon of prioritizing profits over fair treatment of employees.
The NDP’s demands are expected to fuel further debate on corporate accountability, government oversight, and Canada’s economic ties with the U.S.