Right now, we see countries around the globe collaborating to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19. In a time where we should be leaning on one another to start the economic recovery of our regions safely and gradually, it is disappointing to see the US implement unjustified tariffs on Canadian aluminum once again. This will directly impact over 10,000 workers on the manufacturing side and countless more in secondary related industries. The protection of lives and communities should be the top priority for both countries’ instead of waging a trade dispute.

Canada and the US have a longstanding and strong trade relationship built through comprehensive agreements like NAFTA. The United States is our top trade partner and this ongoing flow of goods and services supports millions of jobs on both sides of the border. $1.9 billion in trades of goods and services is traded daily and further proves how intertwined we really are. We also share the largest unprotected border in the world, and it is common knowledge that Northern Ontario snowbirds have long found refuge from the winter months by heading to the US; also, our over 25,000 mining service and supply sector is strengthened by our US counterparts. We are interdependent and must continue to act in the best interest of both parties for the growth and development of each country.

With this history in mind it is very difficult to understand why the US President would want to impose an unacceptable 10% tariff on Canadian aluminum. Contrary to the President’s comments, the Canadian aluminum sector is essential and greatly benefits the US defense industry. The United States share the North Atlantic Treaty Organization mutual defense commitments and to paint Canada as a security threat is without merit.

In 2018 when the first tariffs were implemented on Canadian aluminum, our Prime Minister stood with Canadian workers and our industry. Our country was clear that these actions would not be tolerated. Now, that commitment continues and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland recently detailed Canada’s plan to implement countermeasures. Our government has vowed to defend and stand by our workers, our communities and our country once again.

Over the next 30 days the federal government will consult industry on a long list of American aluminum products that they are looking to impose tariffs on to the tune of 
$3.6 billion. I encourage residents and businesses of Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury to voice their feedback on the counter tariffs. Details to do so can be found at this website.

My sincere hope is that collaborative efforts between governors, Chambers of Commerce and businesses in the US will convince their President to lift these tariffs and continue to honour the mutually beneficial trade between our countries.

I have heard time and time again from local businesses, stakeholders, local trade unions and residents the need to protect our border with the vast majority vocalizing their wish for them to remain closed. I am open and look forward to collaborating with all Federal parties on this matter of great national importance. I will also advocate for the following measures: 

• That Canada’s border remains closed until at least January 1^st, 2021, and only accept an invitation for formal negotiations of the reopening once the tariffs are lifted
• That Canada introduce a moratorium that would prohibit Americans from buying property in Canada until the tariffs are lifted

We cannot allow for our country to be taken for granted. We must ensure that the President of the United Sates understands that Canada is their closest ally and biggest trade partner and we will stand strongly against these new measures. We do not want to aggravate the situation, but we must be firm with our reciprocation approach. I encourage everyone to continue to buy Canadian products and to buy local as often as possible.

This pandemic is not over and countries across the globe will need to keep working together. We must all be part of the solution to support our citizens, the reopening of our economies and most importantly strive to ensure the health and safety of all. We can overcome these differences and challenges and ensure the prosperity of economies on both sides of the border. Canada has always shown resilience and we will forge ahead to support Canadian workers and our aluminum industry in order to remain competitive around the globe.

Marc G. Serré
MP Nickel Belt
1-800-267-4829

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Important links

Countermeasures action against the United States in response to tariffs on Canadian aluminum products

International Mobility Program: North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

Contact

Kaylie Dudgeon
Special Assistant, MP Nickel Belt Marc G. Serré
705-507-2416
[email protected]