Ottawa Must Keep a Level Playing Field
Premier John Hamm today reminded the federal government not to forget Canada's offshore industry and workers when it negotiates a new trade deal with Europe.
Ottawa has drawn fire from offshore supply companies and shipbuilders for considering a proposed European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA) that would eliminate a 25 per cent tariff on imported Norwegian vessels. The tariff is in place to balance the heavy subsidies the Norwegian industry receives.
"Nova Scotians are free traders, but we're also fair traders," said Premier Hamm. "That means that we must have measures to protect our companies and workers from those countries which offer massive subsidies. The federal government has a responsibility to ensure that a level playing field exists between shipyards and marine fabricators in Canada and those in other countries."
On Friday, Jan. 18, at 11:30 a.m., Premier Hamm and Economic Development Minister Gordon Balser will join with opposition members and business interests to present a united front on the tariff issue. Opposition leader Darrell Dexter, Lunenburg West MLA Don Downe and officials from Secunda Marine, Irving Shipbuilding Inc., the Canadian Auto Workers, the Offshore/Onshore Technologies Association of Nova Scotia, the Metropolitan Halifax Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Halifax Partnership will take part in the announcement.
Don MacLeod, vice-president of Secunda Marine, said this is another step in the right direction by the government.
"The Nova Scotia government has been a strong ally on the EFTA tariff issue for nearly two years," said Mr. MacLeod. "I am delighted Premier Hamm is prepared to do whatever it takes to put our province's strongest case forward to Ottawa and is supported by all political parties in Nova Scotia. Thousands of jobs in Nova Scotia depend upon a successful resolution."
The government has long built positive relationships on matters related to shipbuilding and marine fabrication. In October 2000, opposition MLAs accepted the invitation of Premier Hamm and Mr. Balser to attend the Council of Atlantic Premiers forum on shipbuilding in St. John's, Newfoundland.