Bay of Quinte MP Ryan Williams Named Shadow Minister for International Trade

August 13, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has appointed Bay of Quinte MP Ryan Williams as the Shadow Minister for International Trade. MP Williams will add this responsibility to his current role as Shadow Minister for Pan-Canadian Trade and Competition. Earlier this year, MP Williams introduced Bill C-365, “The Consumer-Led Banking Act,” aimed at lowering banking fees and mortgage rates for Canadians through the implementation of open banking. Additionally, he has focused on addressing the high cost of cell phone bills in Canada compared to other countries.

As Shadow Minister for International Trade, MP Williams is prioritizing fair trade deals to bring jobs back to Canada. He stated, “Locally, we have manufacturing jobs that are threatened by the unfair trading practices of China. The recent Goodyear announcement in Napanee, as well as over $50 billion in federal government subsidies this year, highlight this issue. If cheap EVs from China flood into Canada, those jobs will disappear, and the current government seems oblivious to this fact.”

Pierre Poilievre has urged the government to match recent U.S. tariffs on Chinese steel, aluminum, and electric vehicles to protect Canada’s auto industry and bring manufacturing jobs back to Canada.

MP Williams emphasized, “China has a massive trade deficit with Canada, and we’re getting a bad deal. Canadian workers and industries deserve a competitive advantage. When we place a Canadian flag on a product, like Hawkins Cheezies or our cheese, tires, and natural gas, we know it’s a quality product we can sell worldwide. We need someone who can promote the great products made in Canada to create well-paying jobs here.”

MP Williams also criticized the Canadian government’s inability to open new markets for Canadian producers, arguing, “The government recently failed to finalize a trade agreement with the U.K. and only succeeded with the EU deal due to groundwork laid by the previous Conservative government.”

Locally, MP Williams continues to advocate for treatment beds for those suffering from addiction and mental health issues in the community. He is also collaborating with his provincial counterparts to address homelessness.