February 19, 2007
For Immediate Release
Canadian Steel Caucus visits Washington DC

OTTAWA-Mike Wallace, Member of Parliament for Burlington and Chairman of the Canadian Parliamentary Steel Caucus lead a delegation of Parliamentarians and Industry representatives on a 3 day visit to Washington DC February 14th to 16th this past week.

Mr. Wallace was accompanied by caucus vice chairs John Maloney, MP (Lib – Welland), David Christopherson (NDP – Hamilton Centre) and executives from some of Canada’s leading steel organizations including Dofasco, IPSCO Inc. and the Canadian Steel Producers Association.

The parliamentary delegation reached out to the chair and vice chair of the US Congressional Steel Caucus in a gesture of friendship and to discuss common interests in ensuring a strong and prosperous steel industry in North America.

Messrs Wallace, Christopherson and Maloney met with Steel Caucus vice chair Rep. Phil English (R – PA) and chair Rep. Pete Visclosky (D- IN) in separate meetings last week. The discussions revolved around common challenges that our industries face, collaborating on Canada-US opportunities in Steel, cross border trade and climate change.

“We build things together,” said Mike Wallace. “For instance our friends in the US auto industry consider Canadian steel as if it was American steel and they don’t even distinguish between the two. We need to recognize that we already work so closely together in this industry that our respective caucuses need also to be working together on some very important common interests and concerns.”.

The trip also included meetings at the American Iron and Steel Institute and talks featuring several prominent trade experts, academics and an experts in the field of industry and climate change. The delegation also met at the Canadian Embassy in Washington with Ambassador Michael Wilson and the Minister and Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Claude Carriere. Mr. Wallace will now be preparing a report on the trip to present to his caucus at their next meeting this spring.

For further information please contact:

Jon. W. Watson, EA/ Legislative Assistant
Mike Wallace, MP Burlington
www.mikewallace.ca
E: wallam0@parl.gc.ca
T: 613 995 0881
F: 613 995 1091