Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was confronted in a heated exchange with a steelworker while attempting to court workers.
During a photo op at Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, on Friday, Trudeau was rebuked by a steelworker who pressed him on his policies while the prime minister was handing out donuts.
“The 25% tariffs we just brought in from Chinese steel is going to help you out,” Trudeau said to a worker.
While his coworkers indulged in Justin Trudeau’s free donut giveaway this Algoma Steel worker wanted no part of it.
Instead he had tough questions about the cost of living and Trudeau blew him off with talking-points about tariffs and dentalcare.
This man is a hero. 🎖️ pic.twitter.com/4GEp07ITft
— Anti-Taxxer (@colossusPhD) August 31, 2024
“That’s going to keep my job? Yeah,” the employee of Algoma Steel responded. “What about the 40% taxes I am paying? And I don’t have a doctor.”
The prime minister replied that the Canadian government had invested over $400 million to help him keep his job “for many years to come.”
“I think you’re only here for another year, so we won’t see you another year,” he said to Trudeau.
“That’s what elections are for,” Trudeau said calmly to the man.
“That’s right,” the steelworker replied.
“I look forward to everyone exercising the right to vote. Basic choice. We are going to invest in you and your job,” Trudeau continued.
“I don’t believe you for a second,” the steelworker said.
Trudeau asked him about dental care.
“I pay for it myself. And we’re, like, three years behind. Every time we go for a dental visit, it has cost me about $50 out of my pocket per person. Why? I have a good job, but you’re not really doing anything for us,” he said.
Trudeau touted how the government has invested in dental care and healthcare, and the worker interrupted, saying it is helping people “probably like my neighbor who doesn’t go to work because she’s lazy.”
“You know what? Most Canadians try to stick up for each other, and that’s what we’ve got to keep doing,” Trudeau said as he wished the man luck.
The prime minister appeared to attempt to shake his hand.
“No. Have a nice day,” the man said as he walked away.
Steelworkers in the U.S. presidential election have seen stops from both Democratic and Republican candidates to court their votes.
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Vice President Kamala Harris spent Monday in Pittsburgh courting U.S. steelworkers during a joint Pennsylvania rally with President Joe Biden.
Last week, former President Donald Trump visited Alro Steel in Potterville, Michigan. Trump has also been pledging to block U.S. Steel’s planned sale to a Japanese company. Harris has reportedly been making a shift in policy to add this view to her playbook in obtaining votes in battleground states.
