Justin Trudeau supports Hamilton steel plants against U.S. tariffs
- Jayson Koblun
- 13 Mar 2018
There’s been a lot of talk around the city lately about President Donald Trump potentially placing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. Whether you work in the industry or not, it’s a big deal for many who live in Hamilton — Canada’s steel capital — and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is visiting some of the city’s steel plants today to show support.
Look who made a visit to @WestTownLocke? Yep. @JustinTrudeau. #HamOnt pic.twitter.com/3jflb1ystC
— Locke Street Shops (@LockeStShops) March 13, 2018
As he visits Stelco and Dofasco, two Hamilton steel plants, he says that the U.S.’ argument that national security is an issue when considering tariffs for Canadian steel and aluminum makes no sense. He and President Donald Trump have been talking for more than a year on the issue and it’s been made very clear that there is no threat.
“There is no national security argument to be made against Canada,” Trudeau told CHCH. “Our steel, our aluminium is in their tanks and ships and planes.”
The U.S. government has been dropping hints that tariffs may be imposed on aluminum and steel, despite Canada having recently been deemed exempt and even the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) comes into play while Trudeau and Trump are continuing to negotiate the tariffs.
“The steel tariff threat was seen by many to be an attempt by the Trump administration to pressure Canada and Mexico to complete the NAFTA talks giving in to other U.S. demands or giving up some of their own rather than risk the punishing steel and aluminum duties. The steel tariff investigation was launched to see the impact of steel imports on U.S. national security. Trudeau is currently on a tour of Canadian steel towns to show his support to workers in the industry,” reads a press release.
Trudeau chatted with workers at a Stelco plant and let the workers know that he understands the importance of the industry to them and knows that the tariffs would have a huge impact in Canada. He spoke at a roundtable with leaders in the industry and stressed that he was there to listen and hear concerns.
Let us know if you have friends or family members who would be affected by the tariffs. What would these tariffs mean for Canada’s steel capital?
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