Mr. Speaker, it is my honour to bring forward the voices of the people of Thompson, Manitoba. Today I would like to present petitions on their behalf, calling for the federal government to stand up for Canadians and Canadian jobs.
On November 17, Vale announced devastating news that they are planning to shut down the smelter and the refinery in Thompson. This announcement means the loss of over 600 jobs and will have a devastating impact on the community, the northern region and the province of Manitoba.
The people of Thompson are saying that the federal government must stand up for them. Not only did the government allow the foreign takeover by Vale, it also gave them a loan of $1 billion just over a month ago, this just weeks before such devastating news.
Many people in Thompson and Manitoba wonder when the government will stand up for Canadians rather than stand up for foreign companies, and they are asking that the federal government work with all stakeholders to save the 600 jobs and the Thompson Vale smelter and refinery.