Canadian Steel industry applauds federal government order to prevent Buy America on Canadian soil

Canadian government's New FEMA order for the Prince Rupert Ferry Terminal in British Columbia will secure thousands of Canadian jobs and prevent a $80 million negative impact on the provincial economy.

MARKHAM, ON, Jan. 21, 2015 /CNW/ - The Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC), the voice of the Canadian Steel industry, applauds the federal government's efforts to fight Buy America on Canadian soil, and congratulates Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, for his leadership in championing Canadian sovereignty, jobs and the Canadian steel manufacturing sector.

A government order under the Foreign Extraterritorial Measures Act (FEMA) was signed by Minister Fast on Jan 19 effectively securing Canada's right to prevent compliance with the Buy America provisions for the Prince Rupert Ferry Terminal redevelopment project.

"Buy America provisions deny both countries' companies and communities the clear benefits that arise from our integrated supply chain and our commitment to freer and more open trade. We call upon our American friends to join with us to end the harm such policies are doing within our shared North American economy," said Minister Fast in a media release announcing the order.

"This sends a strong message to our trading partners around the world that Canadians and the Canadian government will stand up to any threats to our sovereignty, our economy and Canadian jobs," said Ed Whalen, President of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction.

"The Canadian steel industry has been strongly advocating for free, fair and reciprocal trade and urges our trading partners to remove any protectionist barriers that negatively impact our open and competitive marketplace," added Mr. Whalen.

"We are proud of the leadership that our government has shown in defending Canadian interests," remarked Tareq Ali, CISC Marketing & Communications Director. "We now call on  provincial and municipal governments to level the playing field by passing reciprocal procurement legislation."

About the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC):

The CISC is Canada's voice for the steel construction industry, providing leadership in design and construction efficiency, quality and innovation.  The CISC promotes the use and benefits of steel in construction, adds value to the construction and design community and supports the needs of the membership and industry through education and training, research and development, industry codes and standards, certification, and advocacy.

SOURCE Canadian Institute of steel construction

Tareq Ali, Director of Marketing, Communications & Membership Services, Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC), Tel: [phone] ext.113, [email protected]