Ottawa, ON – Raquel Dancho, Shadow Minister for Industry, Shelby Kramp-Neuman, Shadow Minister for Canada-US Trade, and Adam Chambers, Shadow Minister for International Trade issued the following statement in response to the crisis facing Canada’s steel industry:
“Since Mark Carney took office, U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel have only gotten worse. When the steel industry was already facing crippling 25% tariffs, the Prime Minister chose to quietly drop Canada’s counter-tariffs to nearly zero in the midst of the election campaign. Then President Trump increased his unjustified tariffs to 50%.
“As a result of these tariffs, Canadian steel companies have completely ceased exports to the U.S., which accounts for 50% of their export market. This is equivalent to $11 billion in direct revenue.
“Despite the Prime Minister having months to act, he has dragged his feet. Now Canadian steel is facing an existential threat and the plan he announced “falls short” according to the steel industry and steelworkers. Their futures are uncertain as thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity are at risk because this government, which ran on standing up to President Trump, has failed in its foremost objective.
“Canada cannot allow U.S. tariffs to hollow out one of Canada’s pivotal industries. Losing our steel industry risks not only economic harm, but imperils our national security as well.
“The Prime Minister has failed to come forward with impactful solutions at this most challenging time for so many working Canadian families.
“Conservatives will continue to be a voice for steelworkers and stand up for a Canada that is self-reliant, sovereign, and independent.”