The Ontario government is stepping in to assist Hamilton by funding a tariff response team as the local steel sector, which plays a key role in the city’s economy, confronts job losses and challenges from tariffs.
“Ontario-made steel is vital to Ontario’s supply chain,” but steelworkers are “under direct attack” due to tariffs, said Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli at a press conference on Tuesday where he announced a $390,000 investment.
Mayor Andrea Horwath, Hamilton Mountain MPP Monica Ciriello, and newly elected Hamilton East-Stoney Creek MPP Jeff Beattie were present during the announcement.
Fedeli noted that the $390,000 will be sourced from the province’s Trade-Impacted Communities Program and will contribute to a $588,000 initiative run by the city aimed at assisting businesses affected by tariffs, especially those in steel and manufacturing.
Horwath also highlighted the situation faced by local steelworkers, mentioning that hundreds could lose their jobs at Stelco following Stelco Holdings Inc.’s decision to temporarily close part of its Hamilton facility on September 28.
Ron Wells, president of United Steelworkers Local 1005, previously informed CBC that around 333 layoffs are anticipated in Hamilton. USW Local 8782 president John Mc Elroy mentioned that up to 50 layoffs could occur at Lake Erie Works in Nanticoke.
Earlier this week, Stelco’s U. S. parent company stated that this year’s third quarter was its strongest since Cleveland-Cliffs acquired it in 2024.
The Stelco Hamilton Works is pictured on Oct. 9. Earlier this month, the company announced layoffs at the plant amid the ongoing Canada-U. S. trade war. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)
Horwath characterized the earnings report as “a slap in the face to Hamilton workers, Hamilton’s history and Hamilton families.”
“We will continue to put pressure on to make sure that our Hamilton workers don’t end up being casualties of this trade war.”
New Tariff Response Team Aims to Simplify Process
Horwath mentioned that the new tariff response team being launched alongside initiatives from the Head of Lake Ontario Plan she revealed in September will help ensure workers and their families access all available funding for support and retraining.
She described this team – set to be formed within this quarter – as “a pair of scissors that will help cut through red tape,” linking businesses with government assistance programs and aiding them in finding new markets.
“With all of these existing programs out there, it can be overwhelming for a business trying to navigate how to get what they need,” Fedeli explained. “This organization will guide you to the right door.”
The Stelco mills are shown via a recent drone image. Earlier this week, Stelco’s U. S. owner announced that company’s third quarter was its strongest since Cleveland-Cliffs acquired it in 2024. (Michael Charles Cole/CBC) p >
CBC Hamilton asked Fedeli whether there’s consideration being given toward nationalizing Stelco – an idea supported by federal NDP Leader Avi Lewis and Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles.
While he didn’t directly decline it, Fedeli also didn’t indicate if his government is looking into such a proposal.
“We believe that by continuing our collaboration with companies we’re achieving our goals.” p >
As an example of success from such partnerships, Fedeli pointed out provincial investments made into Tenaris steel pipe production facility located in Sault Ste. Marie stating sales for Ontario-made steel rose three percent last year.
Stiles remarked Premier Doug Ford should collaborate with federal officials urging Cleveland-Cliffs relinquish their ownership stake in Stelco while establishing public ownership along with Canadian management.
Wells had told CBC previously about union backing towards a potential federal takeover of Stellaco.
< WATCH | Ottawa hired 'best lawyers' to advise on Stelco next steps , minister says :
Feds have hired ‘best lawyers’to advise on Stelco next steps, says Joly p >< Industry Minister Mélanie Joly stated Ottawa has taken note concerning Cleveland-Cliffs earnings call reflecting support behind U. S.-imposed tariffs against Canadian steel workers. Joly indicated her department remains closely engaged alongside unions regarding possible legal action , promising further details would come soon.
At Tuesday’s news briefing , Canadian Industry Minister Mélanie Joly expressed Ottawa “took good note”of Cleveland-Cliffs’ earnings discussion confirming their backing behind U. S.-based tariffs targeting Canadian workers.
<
Joly mentioned various strategies exist addressing these issues including compelling Cleveland-Cliffs sell off their interest pertaining specifically towards ‘Stelco’ or imposing financial repercussions. P ><
Her department continues coordination efforts with labor unions developing potential legal approaches ; she plans more insights soon forthcoming based upon developments surrounding these matters.
Source link
