Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the subject of the Canadian steel sector. Last Wednesday I had the privilege to address the International Trade Commission in Washington which began a section 201 global safeguard investigation on steel. As chair of the parliamentary steel caucus my testimony illustrated the challenges the sector faces in both Canada and the United States.
My message was clear. We have an integrated North American steel sector and Canada should not be included in any trade remedy. I publicly thank my U.S. counterpart who joins us in Ottawa today, Congressman Phil English, chair of the congressional steel caucus, for his support on the issue.
Canada also found support with the United Steelworkers of America and the American Iron and Steel Institute. The FTA and NAFTA have accomplished their goal of creating an integrated steel market. Canada-U.S. steel trade reflects the dynamic and overall balance of this integrated market. It is in our mutual interest and to our mutual benefit that it not be impaired.