May 27, 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, ON – Warren Steinley, Shadow Minister for Economic Development and Internal Trade, and Richard Martel, Quebec Political Lieutenant, released the following statement calling on the Liberal government to prioritize Canadian steel for Canadian construction projects:

“Canada is recognized as a leader in having some of the most environmentally friendly standards to produce their metals, including steel. Unfortunately, under the Liberals, Canada is seeing the closure of steel plants and mining projects from coast to coast, as foreign entities and regulations severely hurt these important businesses.

“The decision to use steel from China for the construction of the Pattullo Bridge project in B.C. highlights the need for the Liberals to prioritize the use of Canadian steel in Canadian construction projects. Not only has China been found guilty of dumping steel into Canada, but we also know that China’s steel production causes ten times more carbon emissions than steel produced in Canada.

“The Conservative environment plan proposes a system of carbon border adjustments that would price-in the much higher pollution coming from China’s steel and aluminum. This common-sense policy would place Canadian producers on a level playing field with countries like China.

“The status quo must change. If you’re not worried about the impact that Chinese steel will have on Canadian steelworkers, you have three parties to choose from. If you are, you only have one – Canada’s Conservatives.”