NDP: Help Canadian Workers and Small Businesses, Get Rid of Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum

OTTAWA – Today, the NDP is calling on Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government to do everything in its power to get rid of the unfair tariffs on steel and aluminum that are forcing small businesses throughout the country to close their doors and leaving workers without a job. New Democrats renewed their calls after media reported that the U.S. lifted sanctions on a Russian aluminum giant, while tariffs remain in Canada.

“Canadian workers are tired of paying the heavy price of losing their jobs because this Liberal government won’t stand up for them. Russia was able to help a Russian company, meanwhile Canada is somehow unable to remove Trump’s tariffs that continue to hurt our businesses and workers,” said NDP International Trade Critic Tracey Ramsey. “The Liberals need to act with urgency; our jobs are on the line. They need to be clear with Canadians on the plan to remove these devastating tariffs.”

These unfair tariffs from the United States have been in place for eight months and have devastated companies throughout the country. Some of these companies have had to lay-off workers or close their doors, leaving Canadian workers and their families without a paycheck to rely on. New Democrats were pushing Justin Trudeau’s government to ensure the removal of these tariffs before signing on to the new NAFTA, and his government failed to do so.

"It has been a long time since we have heard the Liberal government talk about the tariffs the U.S. has imposed on our aluminum and steel. They are missing in action," said NDP Labour Critic Karine Trudel. “In my riding of Jonquière, these unfair tariffs affect thousands of families and put thousands of good jobs at stake. These workers and their families have a right to know what the Liberal government’s plan is to abolish these tariffs.”