Tariff relief package? These 3 things should be in any plan, experts say – National [Video]

U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canada could come within days and Ottawa is gearing up to meet the threat.

With fears of an economic crisis if Trump’s measures hit this weekend, some are calling for a relief package for workers and businesses along the lines of Canada’s COVID-19 supports.

Canada’s pandemic response plan included tens of billions of dollars in support of struggling businesses and workers who lost their jobs, through both direct cheques and benefits as well as industrial loans and tax deferrals.

But authorizing new spending would require the approval of Parliament to push through such a package — and it is prorogued until March 24.

What options does the federal government have?

Trump’s threat of tariffs has raised fears of mass layoffs across sectors in Canada.

Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, has said the “mere threat of tariffs is damaging to jobs, investment and our economy.”

Moshe Lander, an economist …