Steel industry, labour leaders call for government action as U.S. tariffs spike
Canada’s steel industry is warning of an “existential threat” following the U.S. decision to double tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, with industry leaders calling for swift federal action to avoid collapse. “We’re going to be a deeply weakened sector in a very short period of time,” said Catherine Cobden, head of the Canadian Steel Producers Association, adding that “steel was already ready and loaded... so, completely chaotic.” The industry is demanding expanded safeguards against unfair imports and full retaliatory tariffs on the U.S., as job losses mount and shipments to the U.S. drop 30 per cent. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada is in “intensive discussions” with the U.S. and will respond shortly, while labour and business groups urge immediate measures to protect Canadian jobs and economic stability.
