FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sept. 19, 2014
SIMCOE – “Our Opposition Caucus is concerned about the significant news that U.S. Steel Canada has applied for creditor protection,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett. “I have been in touch with the union, the company and the Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Employment, and Infrastructure. It is important all concerned work together for common cause.”
During the creditor protection proceedings, Barrett understands the payroll and pension contributions and regular business will continue.
He said the process must be taken step by step, and it’s too early to speculate on the outcome.
“This should be a wake-up call for failed government policy,” Barrett said. “Ontario needs an economic plan to stimulate the economy – not just for manufacturing but also heavy industry.”
Barrett feels the announcement is another example of a dismal Ontario Government record of manufacturing jobs being driven out of the province. Skyrocketing energy costs and high taxes have resulted in 600,000 people being out of the work in the province, and 300,000 jobs lost in the manufacturing sector alone. As well, millions of dollars of potential investment have been lost.
“This government is rusty. It has to deal with the new reality of globalization and consolidation. Government has to keep up and step up. If the province doesn’t change course, the exodus of manufacturing jobs will continue.”
-30-
For more information, contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446