But after working as an analyst for four years, Andrew is acutely aware of the critical role the CITT plays in protecting the interests of Canadian industries and Canadian jobs. Born and raised in Ottawa, Andrew started working for the government in the Student Federal Work Experience program at 17. He then worked in procurement in the departments of National Defence and Public Works before joining the CITT.
As a CITT analyst, Andrew’s job is to compile the reports used to determine whether duties will be applied to goods in Canada. The Tribunal sees a range of cases, but Andrew’s focus is on subsidizing and market dumping. Using surveys and gathering data from various players, such as domestic and foreign producers, importers and purchasers, he helps deliver the information Tribunal members need at a hearing. There, they determine whether or not injury has occurred to the Canadian industry and whether duties need to be applied to certain goods coming into Canada.
“It’s a challenge for us to get the most accurate picture. Our Canadian legislation doesn’t necessarily require each group to submit a response but we do our best to get a solid rate of response,” he says.
“You need to know how to approach people and to speak with different people in order to get them to divulge certain information. It takes special people skills.”
For Andrew the most interesting part of the job is getting out of the office and doing plant visits. Through these visits he gets to see how and where the products he’s researching are made and who’s making them. “I really enjoy the one-on-one interaction with people. In everyday life, we don’t necessarily see the people making hot-rolled carbon steel plates in Sault Ste. Marie or coolers down in Brantford. So it’s neat to get a different perspective as to what these people are doing on a daily basis.”
Committed to helping the Tribunal make the most fair and impartial decisions, Andrew sees his role as ensuring Canadian companies are able to compete, supporting Canadian industries, Canadian jobs and, ultimately, consumers.
“It’s extremely important that we have some protection to make sure our industries are not being injured unfairly by things like price undercutting, price suppression, or government subsidies in other countries,” he says.
Andrew believes it’s critical that the work of the Tribunal be impartial in order to protect Canadian industries and jobs. And that impartiality couldn’t be accomplished by the private sector. “I suspect they wouldn’t apply a lot of duties. They’d give a little more free rein to that.”
“I’m proud to work for the Canadian government. It’s a great place to work, I’ve been here for over 10 years. I plan to continue my career here.”