Ontario premier disappointed with New York's Buy American agreement on steel

The premier of Ontario says she's disappointed that New York lawmakers have reached an agreement on legislation that would require state construction projects to use American iron and steel.

Kathleen Wynne says a Buy American deal announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday will impact Ontario businesses.

• Texas mayors back Canada's efforts to block Buy America policies

Her government lobbied against more sweeping Buy American provisions that had been introduced as part of New York's budget this spring and Wynne credited Ontario's advocacy for defeating that proposal.

She says New York's new Buy American plan is narrower and less punitive than the original, which would have required all state entities to buy from American companies on new purchases worth more than US$100,000.

The new proposal would require state agencies to buy American-made iron and steel for projects like bridges, subways and new state buildings.

Wynne says she will advocate for Ontario to receive an exemption from the policy before it comes into effect, which is set to occur next April.