Mr. Speaker, representatives of the Canadian Steel Producers Association from across Canada are here today to highlight the importance of their industry.
Steel is integral to Canada's manufacturing sector and our economic future. The industry employs 25,000 Canadians, with 100,000 spinoff jobs. It is essential to our industrial clusters like shipbuilding, the automobile industry, energy and construction.
Today's steel is more efficient, innovative, strong and environmentally sustainable than ever before. Since 2005, Canadian steel companies have invested over $2 billion in new technologies and manufacturing processes.
I would encourage all members to support a strong future for the steel manufacturing sector in Canada.