Supplied by Sault MP Terry Sheehan…
For Immediate Release
February 4, 2019- Ottawa, Ontario
Today, the Ontario Trade Minister, Todd Smith called on Ottawa to drop retaliatory tariffs against the United States.

“The Ford Government’s call for Canada to unilaterally and unconditionally remove its counter-tariffs would equal unilateral surrender to the Americans. The reciprocal tariffs are critical to pressuring the Americans to end this dispute once and for all.” stated ISED Minister Bains.

“I think the people on the ground, the steel workers, the downstream small businesses, the producers – they know the Ford government is playing political games.” said Sheehan.
He further noted that the Canadian Steel Producers Association, of which both Algoma Steel and Tenaris Tubes are members, have come out in support of the federal government’s actions.

The Canadian Steel Producers Association today tweeted “The Federal Government’s retaliatory action against the USA is vital in protecting businesses & steelworkers. These measures represent an appropriate response to the baseless decision to apply s.232 on Cdn steel & should stay in place until the US lifts the tariffs on Canada.”

Sheehan, co-chair of the All-Party Steel Caucus, continues to strongly support steel locally and nationally. MP Sheehan works daily on this file for both Algoma Steel and Tenaris. As well, Sheehan has taken the fight directly to Washington for meetings with the Congressional Steel Caucus, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, The United Steelworkers and industry stakeholders such as the American Iron and Steel Institute and the National Association of Manufacturers.

The last time any Ontario official visited Washington was five months ago in September, when Premier Ford held one meeting at Canada’s Embassy, but skipped the chance to meet anyone from the Administration or Congress, whereas Prime Minister Trudeau and his Cabinet Ministers have repeatedly made the case directly to the U.S. Administration, including to President Trump.

Sheehan is in agreement with the Minister for Innovation, Science and Economic Development when he stated:

“Todd Smith is just plain wrong. We’re standing up for Canadian companies facing the illegal U.S. tariffs. Our government quickly imposed measured, dollar-for-dollar tariffs on $16.6 billion worth of U.S. imports. And we’re providing support directly to Canadian and Ontario companies and workers – $624 million has already been provided to companies and workers, including $90 million to Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie and $50 million to Arcelor Mittal in Hamilton.
Todd Smith and Doug Ford should join us and stand-up for Ontario workers instead of trying to score cheap political points on the back of our steel and aluminum workers.”