Sheehan: 'We always come out on top'

Speaking during a Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce (SSMCOC) breakfast this morning, MP Terry Sheehan spoke about Canada’s steel industry, the Port of Algoma, middle class tax cuts, First Nations issues and opportunities for youth.

The discussion was hosted by the chamber at Algoma’s Water Tower Inn and moderated by Rory Ring, executive director of SSMCOC.

Sheehan spoke in detail on his efforts to elevate the issues surrounding the steel industry within the government of Canada.

Meeting with management of Essar Steel Algoma and Tenaris Algoma Tubes soon after being elected as MP in October, Sheehan has since brought the steel issue up during the northern Ontario caucus, Ontario caucus, as well as the overall Liberal government’s caucus.

“We were able to present that as a priority for Ontario, and [it] should be a priority for Canada,” said Sheehan.

Sheehan has spoken twice in the House of Commons about the challenges faced by the steel industry, first as response to the Speech from the Throne and again earlier this month during House debate.

He said he is proud the issue was highlighted in the recently-released federal budget, in a section titled, ‘Strengthening Canada’s response to unfair trade,’ 

“It’s so important. The trade remedy hasn’t been modernized or reviewed in 30 years, said Sheehan.

Sheehan said this commitment shows the government is serious about protecting the steel industry in Canada, which ties into the potential opportunities with the Port of Algoma.

The port project came up during the initial Northern Ontario caucus meeting. Sheehan said he brought it up during discussion by the Thunder Bay-area MPs regarding the Ring of Fire development.

“Absolutely, because we have a port that can be used with the development of the Ring of Fire and opening all of that up there’s a huge opportunity for my community,” said Sheehan.

Phase one of infrastructure funding, Sheehan says, will be put towards projects like transit, road and bridge infrastructure, ports, social housing, senior’s facilities, to name a few.

He suggested the previous Conservative government spent too little on infrastructure.

“Just doing the bare minimum with infrastructure wasn’t enough in infrastructure, and doing nothing with First Nations was terrible,” said Sheehan.

He said relations with First Nations has to switch from the previous government’s top-down approach, to one which is a nation-to-nation discussion.

“It’s a long, winding path and we walk together on it,” said Sheehan.

Much of the $8-billion committed to First Nation over the next five years will go toward on-reserve infrastructure and education.

Ring questioned a lack of commitment in the budget to decreasing the small business tax for industries not involved in biotech or clean energy, such as restaurateurs.

“Where’s the incentive to be an entrepreneur if you continue to accumulate a burden on business?” asked Ring.

Sheehan replied by espousing the government’s middle class tax cuts.

“With more money in their pocket, the restauranteurs are going to benefit. That couple can go out a few more times — if they choose to. If they want to do a little  renovation on their home they can go up to one of our local hardware stores to purchase items to renovate their bathroom — which is a boost,” Sheehan replied.

The middle class tax cuts, as well as child benefits, will bring a lot of benefit to this riding, said Sheehan.

“The middle class tends to spend their money on main street, not wall street,” he said.

Sheehan suggested having youth more involved in decisions which involve their future, in an effort to fight youth outmigration.

“They have the solutions, you have to engage them. They are the ones who are going to tell you what is important for them to stay in your community. What are the things you want to see? What are the job opportunities they are looking for?” said Sheehan.

“There’s no sense building something the youth don’t value. When we engage them, they are more likely to stay,” Sheehan said.

Sheehan announced he is creating an MP youth advisory council, modelled on the mayor’s youth advisory council he helped develop while on city council.

Ring concluded the dialogue by asking what Sheehan projects the city will look like in 10 to 20

“Continued opportunity and continued growth. Sault Ste. Marie has always been a leader in resilience, in being creative — innovative thinking. We face adversity and we always come out on top,” said Sheehan.

He added, “I see us a more diversified community, both business-wise, but also culturally as well. We all feel very comfortable in a very inclusive, caring community.”