Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Of course, I think Canada was quite shocked to see that we had another 1,000 job losses in the steel sector this week. Again, this is the industry committee for Canada, so I do believe it's incumbent on us to take this very seriously. This is now the second tranche of 1,000 job losses in the steel industry.
In order to deal with that, I do think the committee should be seized with this and should be looking into it promptly. I will move the following motion:
Given that:
Algoma Steel's CEO has publicly confirmed that the Liberal government knew in advance that the company's restructuring plan “always” included major layoffs and nonetheless approved a $400-million federal loan days before 1,000 workers were told their jobs were gone.
Time and again, the Liberal government hands out massive taxpayer-funded subsidies without demanding job guarantees, letting corporations take the money and still lay off workers by the hundreds and thousands.
The committee:
Report to the House that it condemns the lack of job guarantees included in the Liberal government's financing agreement with Algoma Steel, and stands in solidarity with Canadian steelworkers.
Immediately invite the following witnesses to appear before the committee in relation to the funding agreement; prioritize their appearances above all other matters before the committee; and work with House of Commons administration to schedule additional meetings to accommodate their appearances as necessary: the Minister of Industry; the Minister of Finance; the Minister of Jobs and Families; the CEO of Algoma Steel; representatives of United Steelworkers; and any other relevant witnesses.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.