OTTAWA, July 03, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) continues to support the Federal Government in its recent efforts to respond to the Trump Administration’s misguided decision to impose tariffs on the aluminum and steel industry in Canada.

The Trudeau Government announced that in direct, measured and proportional response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, reciprocal surtaxes on $16.6 billion of imports of steel, aluminum and other products from the United States will come into effect July 1, 2018.  “When our Canadian industries and workers continue to be under attack, it’s imperative that we stand up and that is exactly what our Federal Government has done,” says Robert Blakely, Canadian Operating Officer for Canada’s Building Trades Unions.

In addition, the Government of Canada will make available up to $2 billion to defend and protect the interests of Canadian workers and businesses in the steel, aluminum and manufacturing industries.  “The longer that this trade war continues, the more chances that workers and businesses will feel the impact and that is why we also need a strategy to help those affected.  I welcome the measures brought forward by the government to minimize the long-term impact on workers and businesses,” continues Blakely.

Canada’s Building Trades Unions stands with the Trudeau Government in continuing to press the Trump Administration to rescind its misguided tariffs.  “The tariffs imposed by Executive Order doesn’t only impact Canadians, it also impacts American businesses and workers.  That is why we urge all elected officials in the United States to stand up and push to rescind this short-sighted policy,” says Blakely.  “The resolution of the NAFTA re-negotiation will not come from inflicting economic harm, it will come from sitting down and making a deal that works for everyone involved.  We have been able to do that in the past,” concludes Blakely.

For further information: Donald Arseneault, Government Relations Manager, Cell: (613) 558-0653, darseneault@buildingtrades.ca

About CBTU

The North America-wide Building Trades coordinates activities and provides resources to 15 affiliated trade unions in the construction, maintenance and fabrication industries. In Canada, CBTU represents 500,000 skilled trades workers.