Laval, QC., June 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- François Laporte, the president of Teamsters Canada, today made the following statement in support of Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods:
“Teamsters Canada fully supports the actions the Trudeau Government today announced in retaliation to the Trump tariffs. These measures are a righteous defence of Canadian workers, industries, and jobs.
“Should the U.S. not change course, we would encourage the government to explore other retaliatory options, like expropriating American pharmaceutical patents and other intellectual property.
“We know the majority of Americans are good people, many of whom are embarrassed by their president. Let me make it clear that our position has nothing to do with Americans and everything to do with their president.
“Donald Trump’s willingness to start a trade war over dairy products, which accounts for less than 0.5% of total trade between both countries, amounts to crying over spilled milk and can only lead to job losses on both sides of the border.
“Canada is America’s biggest customer. Donald Trump’s actions jeopardize the balanced trade relationship between both countries and millions of jobs along with it. We condemn Donald Trump’s recklessness in the strongest possible terms.”
Teamsters represent 125,000 members in Canada in all industries. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, with which Teamsters Canada is affiliated, represents 1.4 million workers in North America.
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