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“We’re coming together out of a recognition that these are extraordinary times,” he said. “We don’t have a blanket tariff (on imports) like the United States so there is a risk of imported steel which was bound for the U.S. being diverted into Canada’s domestic market. This is something we have discussed with the government extensively and look for the government to address very, very seriously with the tools at their disposal.”

The “steel trade monitoring committee” will include representatives from federal, provincial and territorial governments as well from labour unions and the steel industry, Finance Canada said in an emailed statement.

Canada Border Services Agency is being granted extra powers to identify businesses that try to dodge import duties and more flexibility to determine whether prices in countries of origin are reliable or distorted.

Beginning in mid-April, unions will also be allowed to take part in trade-remedy proceedings, including at the Canadian International Trade Tribunal, into whether foreign exports hurt domestic producers.

Canada will not be used as a backdoor into other North American markets Justin Trudeau

A similar group to address trade in the aluminum industry will also be established, the department said, noting the importance of working collaboratively to share information on trade and “ensure the government can act to address potential steel diversion.”

Canada is a trading nation, and we will not allow North American industries to be hurt or threatened by unfair trade practices, like the diversion of steel and aluminum, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement. “Our businesses and workers rely on our integrated industries, and we will take strong action to defend and protect our most important trade relationships. Canada will not be used as a backdoor into other North American markets.”