Maine Legislators Want Review of Quebec Cement Subsidies

PORTLAND, Maine - Maine's congressional delegation says federal officials should make sure reports of unfair subsidies involving a company in Quebec will not harm businesses in the state.
 
Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King and Reps. Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin are asking acting U.S. Trade Representative Maria Pagan to look into their concerns regarding McInnis Cement.
 
The legislators say they have concerns about reports of loans and equities valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars going from the Quebec government to the company. They say the company's likely to produce cement for the American market. They're concerned that will negatively impact Maine's cement industry and workforce.
 
The legislators say a review of trade rules is in order. Collins and Poliquin are Republicans, Pingree is a Democrat and King is an independent.