Laid off amid the trade war? What Canadians should know about severance, EI

As layoff fears rise across Canada amid U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war, many may be wondering: what should you do in those first days after a layoff if it happens to you?

As layoff fears rise across Canada amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war, many may be wondering: what should you do in those first days after a layoff if it happens to you?

The trade war is expected to impact hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country, Canadian political leaders have said, and markets have been floundering in recent weeks in response to the tariffs.

In Ontario, 120 people at steelmaker Ivaco were told they’d be temporarily laid off for one week next week, and last month, Canada Metal Processing Group announced a reduction of 140 production and office employees in Ontario and Quebec, citing the incoming tariffs.

And while it’s yet to be seen how many more layoffs could come, a recent poll conducted by Leger of 1,500 Canadian adults showed 40 per cent are concerned they could lose their job in the next 12 months.

Trump imposed a sweeping 25 per cent tariff on Canada and Mexico in early March. He also imposed a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminum imports last week, and is also threatening more global “reciprocal” tariffs on April 2.

If you have been laid off, Mike Shekhtman, senior regional director with Robert Half management consulting for western Canada, says the first thing to do is “take a big breath” and focus on your mental health and wellness.

“You need to be in a good headspace as you enter that next step in your career,” he said in an interview with Global News.

From there, people should start arranging resources available from your current employer that may help you find your next job, such as an outplacement type resource.