Embracing Homegrown Tech to Shield Canadian Workers from Trade Uncertainty

I’m writing today as the CEO of MakeShift—a proudly Canadian tech company dedicated to smarter workforce management—and as a concerned citizen deeply troubled by the mounting trade uncertainties with the United States. Trade wars are often discussed in terms of abstract numbers and economic metrics, but the reality is far more personal. When trade disputes intensify, the ripple effects are felt across our communities: businesses struggle, job security wavers, and the livelihoods of everyday Canadians are put at risk.

For many Canadians, these are more than just statistics—they represent the stress of living paycheck to paycheck, the anxiety of uncertain futures, and the strain of balancing work with family life. While no one is immune to these challenges, there is one group that bears the brunt of these economic shocks: shift workers.

Shift workers are the unsung heroes of our modern, around-the-clock society. Nearly 1.8 million Canadians rely on nontraditional hours to keep our hospitals, emergency services, manufacturing plants, and retail outlets running when the rest of us sleep. Shift work is essential to our way of life, but it comes with its own set of hardships. Many shift workers already face unpredictable schedules, financial instability, and significant health risks that stem from disrupted sleep patterns and chronic stress. In sectors like healthcare—where up to 70% of the workforce are women—studies have linked the strain of night shifts to a higher risk of developing breast cancer. These challenges are not abstract; they affect the lives of mothers, daughters, nurses, and police officers whose tireless contributions are often taken for granted.

When trade wars push companies to tighten their belts, these workers are hit hardest. Reduced hours, harsher scheduling practices, and overall economic instability exacerbate an already precarious situation, leaving shift workers more vulnerable than ever. Their struggles are not just an economic issue—they are a matter of public health and social justice.

At MakeShift, we see these challenges firsthand. That’s why we are committed to leveraging Canadian innovation to develop smart scheduling solutions that protect our essential workforce. Our technology helps employers design schedules that not only optimize operations but also provide the rest and stability shift workers desperately need. By doing so, we aim to mitigate the health risks and financial stresses that have become all too common in this vulnerable segment of our labor force.

Across Canada, political leaders are urging us to “buy Canada” by supporting homegrown businesses and technologies. I believe that by investing in Canadian tech solutions, we can create a more resilient economy—one that competes on the global stage while prioritizing the well-being of those who work the hardest for our country. 

I call on fellow business leaders, policymakers, and all Canadians to support innovative, domestic solutions that protect our workforce. Let’s make the shift to technology that cares for our people, safeguards our jobs, and builds a stronger, more resilient Canada. When we invest in our most vulnerable workers, we invest in a brighter future for every Canadian. 

Together, we can build an economy that works for everyone—because when our people thrive, our nation thrives.

Adam Greenberg,
CEO, MakeShift