TORONTO, June 8, 2012 /CNW/ - "This project can put Canadians and Americans back to work by using North American steel and other building materials to the greatest extent possible," writes Ken Neumann, United Steelworkers (USW) National Director, in a letter to Transport Minister Denis Lebel.
An announcement is expected later this month for a deal to build a new bridge between Windsor and Detroit, the busiest border crossing between Canada and the U.S.
"As you know, this project enjoys strong backing on the Canadian side, and I appreciate the efforts of the Canadian government to make the new crossing a reality, going so far as to guarantee funding for Michigan's share of the costs," writes Neumann.
Leo W. Gerard, USW International President, has written to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray Lahood.
"The New International Trade Crossing (NITC) will generate construction and manufacturing jobs on both sides of the border and will help strengthen the economy and job security of industry in both the United States and Canada," writes Gerard.
"We fully support a determination which would permit both U.S. and Canadian steel to be used in the construction of the NITC project."
Recent news reports claim procurement rules for construction of the bridge are one of the remaining issues to be ironed out before a deal is announced.
"Canadian Consul General to Detroit Roy Norton says Chinese steel is not going to be used in the project," says Neumann. "The Canadian government can go one step further by affirming its support for North American steel in this massive infrastructure project that will create thousands of welcome jobs for Canadians and Americans," said Neumann.
Copies of the letters from Neumann and Gerard are posted at www.usw.ca.
Ken Neumann, United Steelworkers National Director, 416-544-5951
Bob Gallagher, United Steelworkers [email protected] 416-434-2221
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