Mr. Speaker, our government has long been a strong supporter of the Canadian steel industry. That is why the government, with the support of the industry, initiated action before the Canadian International Trade Tribunal for safeguards to protect Canadian steel producers and steelworkers from the market distorting effects of unfairly traded offshore steel.
The government is well aware of the serious damage caused to the Canadian steel industry by these distortions. The government is also aware of even greater surges in recent months of offshore steel imports which are now at critical levels.
Representatives of the United Steelworkers of America are in Ottawa this week to add their voice to the call of the Canadian steel producers for immediate government action in the form of imposition of adequate tariffs on a wide range of steel products against a number of offending countries, specifically excluding United States steel producers.
We stress the need for the government to continue its strong support of the industry and for this action to be taken now.