FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 29, 2013

CONSERVATIVES MUST ANSWER TO POOR JOBS RECORD: NDP

OTTAWA – NDP Human Rights critic Wayne Marston (Hamilton East—Stoney Creek) stood up in the House of Commons today to demand an answer from the Conservatives on their latest job market failure.

“Yesterday, almost 1000 Steelworkers were locked out of the US Steel plant in Nanticoke. This is the third time since US Steel was allowed into the country by the Conservatives that this has happened. Bill Ferguson, President of USW Local 8782 said, “the gates are now closed on one of the most productive steel mills in North America, one of the most efficient steel mills in North America”,” said Marston.

“When will the Conservatives stop selling out our manufacturing sector and enforce the Investment Canada Act?” asked Marston. 

The Conservative record on job creation has led to numerous lockouts, plant closures and the shipment of good-quality Canadian jobs overseas.

“I just wish that Member would put away those tired talking points and explain exactly where’s the net benefit to Canada to these workers. What was in the court settlement that should have addressed those issues that brought US Steel to court in the first place: maintaining jobs and local production. And now these workers have been betrayed again.

“When will this government admit it was a mistake to allow US Steel to come to Canada and to take over Stelco, and admit as well that you sold out

Canadian workers?” asked Marston.

In response, Minister Christian Paradis could not account for the Conservative failure to protect Canadian jobs.