The decision of the Canadian government to lower tariffs for Liberian and Korean goods has met staunch opposition from many Canadians, especially industrial workers. Both the Canadian Congress of Labor and the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada (traditionally Liberal-aligned) have condemned the decision of the government. When questioned about their position, a CCL spokesperson claimed that the government’s policy would “put many hard working Canadians out of their jobs and replace the products they proudly created with shoddy work produced by underpaid foreigners,” adding that “it is the responsibility of all Canadians to stand up against this policy before it ruins our nation.”

The strongest opposition has come from unions representing textile workers, steelworkers, and miners, who directly compete with Liberian and Korean exports. The steelworkers union has already organized several marches in protest of the agreements through downtown Toronto, arguing that allowing Liberian iron and steel into the country would lead to poor safety standards and a decline in Canada's manufacturing expertise. The latest march was accompanied by an hour-long shutdown of public transit in the city by the Transportation Workers Union in solidarity with the marchers.

While the trade unions have currently avoided taking retaliatory action, they are threatening a general strike if parliament fails to overturn the trade agreements. The popularity of the ruling Liberal Government has fallen considerably, while the opposition Progressive Conservatives, who have taken a position in support of continued protectionism, have risen in popularity, even among traditionally Liberal constituencies.