Friday June 29, 2018
For immediate release
Toronto, ON – The federal government today announced sweeping tariffs in response to those levied by Donald Trump and the American government on Canadian steel and aluminium products. Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland not only announced tariffs, but also financial support for Canadian workers and industries affected by the dispute.
The IAM Canadian Office is keeping a close eye on the trade disputes and tariff wars between Canada and the United States as we represent many members in those industries, particularly in the aluminium industry.
Minister Freeland, accompanied by Navdeep Bains, federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, laid out the $16.6 billion in tariffs which include products like steel and aluminum, as well as ketchup, toilet paper, dishwasher detergent and playing cards.
“We will not escalate, and we will not back down,” Freeland said, reiterating Canada’s approach to the dispute with the U.S.
In what was a necessary demonstration of support for Canadian industries, the government also announced $2 billion of support of Canadian industries, including up to $250 million to help Canadian manufacturers compete; and $50 million over five years to help companies diversify their markets and develop new trade agreements with Europe and the Pacific region countries.
The measures also include: extending employment insurance work-sharing agreements by 38 weeks to avoid layoffs and more funding for worker training programs.
In what is widely viewed as “bully tactics” by U.S. President Donald Trump, the U.S. has levied tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum on Canada, the EU and other nations.
IAM Canadian General Vice President Stan Pickthall reacted to the Canadian government’s response by saying “There’s too much at stake for Canadian workers to not respond to the punitive action by the American government. Our legal and moral responsibility is to make sure our members’ jobs and livelihoods are protected. That is our ultimate priority,” he said.
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For more information:
Bill Trbovich – IAM Director of Communications
416-386-1789 Ext #31/416-735-9765
Link to English release
Link to French release
