Mr. Speaker, I was curious to hear the Liberal member for Erie make some comments about the steel industry and the steel producers in his
constituency in light of the fact that he is supporting Bill C-57 before the House today.
He made the argument that the steel industry is quite important in his constituency and that this trade agreement will benefit it. This flies in the face of what the Canadian Steel Producers Association has told us in this House of Commons. It says this bill requires some significant amendments to ensure protection of the steel producers and the producers association in Canada with trade with the Americans.
The Americans have a very strong legislative arm which protects their steel producers. When Canada produces and sells steel to the American economy and to the American business it is subject to some very rigorous and tight regulations. As a matter of fact, there have been a number of occasions when the Americans have levied anti-dumping charges against Canadian steel producers.
Bill C-57 does not address the concerns of the Canadian Steel Producers Association. Yet the member for Erie and the member from the Bloc stood in this House saying they are going to support this bill. They are saying it is going to be good for the steel industry. To the member for Erie, why is he saying this is a bill he is going to support, that it is good for the steel industry in Canada, when the Canadian Steel Producers Association says that it is not good for Canadian producers of steel? It has asked for a number of amendments which the New Democratic Party has put forward in this House to assist it in having a fair level playing field with the Americans.
Mr. Member, why are you supporting this bill? Why are you saying it is going to help Canadians to-