Premier John Horgan and Michelle Mungall, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness, have made the following statement following the U.S. decision to impose tariffs on Canadian aluminum exports:                                                                                                   

“Today’s decision is disappointing news for the people of British Columbia.

“Many people in B.C. earn their living in the aluminum industry. Canada’s exports of aluminum create good, family-supporting jobs and are important to the economy.

“Our aluminum exports do not harm the U.S. market. In fact, U.S.-imposed tariffs will hurt the American economy. We also note much of the U.S. aluminum sector opposes any re-imposition of tariffs.

“It is unfortunate that the U.S. is taking this step at a time when our countries should be celebrating the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement and working together to help each other economically recover from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will continue to defend B.C.’s aluminum sector and its workers, and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with the federal government in opposing unfair tariffs placed on our exports.”