Premier John Horgan has issued the following statement in response to a deal that has been reached between Canada and the United States. The deal lifts a 25% steel tariff and a 10% aluminum tariff imposed by the United States in May 2018 during North America Free Trade Agreement talks:

“This deal is good news for the thousands of people in B.C. whose jobs were affected by these tariffs. We heard from many B.C. companies that these tariffs gave them significant challenges on both sides of the border.

“I would like to thank Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister Chrystia Freeland for their hard work in having these unfair tariffs lifted, and for listening to the concerns raised by our industry and stakeholders here in B.C. As well, the negotiation teams in Ottawa and Washington, D.C., should be commended and they have our thanks.

“Our government, the federal government, local mayors and councils have all stood together to protect the jobs affected by these tariffs. We will always take a strong stand against any measures that threaten the livelihoods of people in B.C. and will continue to work to defend their interests in disputes such as these.”