TORONTO – The Steelworkers welcome Thomas Mulcair’s bold move to challenge Stephen Harper’s handling of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
“Steelworkers oppose the TPP because it threatens jobs, our economy and our environment,” said Ken Neumann, United Steelworkers (USW) National Director. “Tom Mulcair is once again on our side, standing up to Harper with a bold defence of supply management.”
In a letter to Stephen Harper, Leader of the Official Opposition Tom Mulcair urges the Prime Minister “to commit to defending supply management in its entirety and reassure Canadians that it will be protected in all future generations.”
“Mulcair’s letter is the strongest statement yet that an NDP government will protect Canada’s interests on the world stage, defending our economy, our agricultural policies and protecting jobs and communities.”
Mulcair’s letter states that supply management is essential to the health of our rural communities and an important driver of the Canadian economy, contributing nearly $30 billion to our GDP and responsible for 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.
“Steelworkers oppose trade deals that give special privilege to foreign investors while attacking our labour and environmental standards,” said Neumann.
The USW’s Stop Fast Track campaign is mobilizing Steelworkers across the U.S. to oppose bad trade deals.
“The USW for years has urged that trade laws in the U.S. be updated to deal with dumping and subsidies of imports. Unfortunately, the USW has often had to bring cases against unfair trade because many of our companies refuse to act, and worse, administrations have failed to use their power to initiate cases,” said Leo W. Gerard, USW International President.
Support is rising across Canada for Thomas Mulcair and the New Democrats.
“Steelworkers and Canadians are excited about the possibility that Tom Mulcair could become our next Prime Minister. Mulcair has shown again and again that he is willing to lead and take bold positions on issues that matter. We look forward to the strong possibility of an NDP government – a government that will stop attacking workers and instead defend and protect Canadian jobs and economy,” said Neumann.
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For more information:
Ken Neumann, USW National Director, 416-544-5951
Bob Gallagher, USW Communications, 416-544-5966, bgallagher@usw.ca
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