Sisi Chan

Steel sector praises new tariff measures, but says more needs to be done

Introduction: Catherine Cobden, the head of Canada’s steel industry association, voices slight disapproval over a component in the new tariff measures announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney. These aim to stimulate Canada’s domestic market, currently challenged by U.S. tariffs.

Prime Minister’s measures: These proposed measures enroute stricter quotas on foreign steel, lower freight rates for materials traversing provincial borders, and aid to steel and lumber producers in establishing new markets in Canada.

Catherine Cobden’s viewpoint: Despite applauding the new measures, Cobden, CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association, forewarns they will not fully cover the loss of the U.S. market. Nonetheless, she sees them as a constructive move for the beleaguered steel sector.

Remission program: Cobden criticizes the federal authorities’ move to extend the remission program for certain steel importers. She pledges to hold the federal government answerable for ending the program by the end of January, as promised by Carney.