Bob Bratina, Member of Parliament for Hamilton East Stoney-Creek, Addresses North American Steel Trade Committee

OTTAWA, Oct. 17, 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA) was pleased to host MP Bob Bratina, in his capacity as Co-Chair of the all-party parliamentary Steel Caucus, as the keynote speaker at the joint government-industry dinner during the North American Steel Trade Committee (NASTC) meetings held in Ottawa on October 13 and 14. This was the 26^th meeting of the NASTC, a government-industry collaboration which provides a forum for the promotion of continued cooperation on policy matters impacting the North American steel value chain.

"Since his election to the House of Commons and his appointment as co-chair of the Steel Caucus, Bob has been a true champion for our industry," said CSPA President Joe Galimberti. "Both Bob and his caucus co-chair Terry Sheehan (Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie) have become critical spokespeople for the steel sector in Canada, ensuring our concerns are raised and understood at the highest levels of the federal government."

The NASTC meetings are attended by senior steel industry and government officials from Canada, the United States and Mexico. The Committee meets on a biannual basis with Canada serving as the host nation for this latest occasion. 

"We were extremely pleased to welcome Bob to our event this year," said Galimberti. "His deep knowledge of the steel industry, the significance of our economic impact, and the importance of employment associated with the sector was evident in his remarks. More importantly however is Bob's clear belief that there is a bright future for steel in North America and his appreciation that steel producers today are advanced, high-tech manufacturers with a critical role to play supporting industrial and infrastructure development in North America for years to come."

The next NASTC meetings will be held in Washington D.C. in the spring of 2017.

About CSPA:

The Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA) is the national voice of Canada's $14 billion primary steel production industry. Canadian steel producers are integral to the automotive, energy, construction, and other demanding industrial supply chains. CSPA seeks to work with governments and industry partners to advance public policies that enable a globally competitive business environment for its member companies and supply chain stakeholders.

SOURCE Canadian Steel Producers Association

For further information: Media Contact: Joseph Galimberti, President, Canadian Steel Producers Association, 613-238-6049