Canada objects to 'Buy American' in US jobs bill

TORONTO (AP) — Canada's trade minister says he's concerned about comments by the U.S. ambassador to Canada in defending the "Buy American" provisions in President Barack Obama's jobs bill.

Ambassador David Jacobson said Tuesday the provisions are necessary if parts of the bill have any chance of passage through a fractious U.S. Congress. He says the bill ultimately will be good for both countries.

The proposal includes a requirement that all iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in public buildings or works be supplied by U.S. firms.

Canadian Trade Minister Ed Fast has responded by saying that trade restrictive measures hurt both countries.

Canada won an exemption from the "Buy American" provisions in the U.S. economic stimulus bill in 2009.