Mr. Speaker, the time has come for the Liberal government to make a decision concerning the future of the steel industry in Canada.
In the aftermath of the American decision to protect its industry, even though it exempted Canada, the Canadian industry has become even more vulnerable as low-wage imports that might otherwise have gone to the U.S. penetrate the Canadian market and threaten good paying jobs in Canada. Yet, the Liberals continue to dither on this file and have failed to act.
The NDP calls on the government to heed the advice of Lawrence McBrearty, National Director of the United Steelworkers in Canada, who has called for a minimum 30% tariff. The government must stop being afraid of the WTO.
Let us join with the Americans in fighting any WTO objection to protecting the North American steel industry and the good paying jobs that go with it.