2014 Orazietti crop      Supplied by Sault MPP David Orazietti…
Toronto – Sault Ste. Marie MPP David Orazietti took part in a panel discussing Ontario’s steel industry on TVO’s “The Agenda” tonight, urging the Canadian government to take action against foreign steel dumping, which is threatening the economic future of the Ontario Steel Industry.
“We cannot continue to allow foreign steel dumping in Canada,” said Orazietti. “It’s putting Canadian jobs and livelihoods at risk and undermining our country’s trade and environmental policies. It’s unreasonable to expect Canadian industry to compete in a market economy with a state-owned and subsidized manufacturer like China that refuses to follow international trade rules.”
During the discussion, Orazietti outlined the need for an effective Trade Remedy Modernization system, which would facilitate fair market principles and level the playing field in order to ensure Canadian steel remains competitive in today’s economy.
“Canada’s weak and outdated Special Import Measures Act is over 30 years old, and fails to address the realities of today’s global marketplace,” said Orazietti. “We’re counting on the federal government to take action against foreign steel dumping. Other jurisdictions, including the European Union and United States, have taken measures to ensure fair trade in their steel sectors, and it’s time Canada does the same.”
Canada’s $14 billion steel industry employs roughly 22,000 people and supports an additional 100,000 indirect jobs; with Essar Steel Algoma employing 2,700 workers and supporting approximately 9,450 indirect jobs and 6,400 pensioners in Ontario.
To voice your support for fair trade rules for Canadian steel producers, sign the petition at www.FairTradeForSteel.ca