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May 24th, 2018

Ramsey Calls for Immediate Government Action for the Canadian Automotive Sector

OTTAWA – Yesterday, the Trump Administration announced the beginning of an investigation that could lead to potentially devastating tariffs for the Canadian auto sector. Like the investigation on steel and aluminum imported into the United States, the Trump administration is seeking to restrict imports and potentially impose tariffs on national security grounds.

“This is yet another blow from President Trump – one that could significantly harm hundreds of thousands of workers in the automotive sector, including thousands of jobs in my region of Southwestern Ontario,” said NDP International Trade Critic and MP, Tracey Ramsey (Essex). “The Liberal government must take immediate action to protect Canada’s auto sector from unnecessary hardship and job losses.”

Canadian workers are extremely concerned about how this investigation will affect our automotive industry, particularly due to the instability and unpredictability auto workers have been feeling since NAFTA re-negotiations began. This uncertainty is exacerbated by other threats of tariffs on the steel and aluminum industries, and the concessions made by the Liberal government when they signed the TransPacific Partnership (TPP).

“This is deja-vu all over again for what we have seen in our steel and aluminum industries, including in my region of Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean," said Karine Trudel, NDP Deputy Trade Critic. "Canadian workers are worried for their livelihoods, and they need immediate action from the government.”

After President Trump announced this decision, Tracey Ramsey immediately sent a letter to Minister Freeland demanding that she unequivocally stand up for our automotive and manufacturing sectors. The NDP will continue to fight against these intolerably uncertain conditions and will stand up for Canadian workers during these difficult times.