Canadian steelworkers urge US and Canada to resume trade talks amid tariff-driven factory closures
Canadian steelworkers, led by union presidents, are pressing both governments to restart trade negotiations as 50% US steel tariffs and retaliatory measures threaten jobs and plant operations.
As the US-Canada trade dispute escalates, Canadian steelworkers are demanding renewed negotiations to halt the fallout from 50% tariffs imposed by the United States and matching counter-tariffs from Canada. Pierre Piedalue, president of a United Steelworkers-Métallos local at Infasco in Quebec, said most of their output heads south, and recent plant closures have left workers fearing further shutdowns, especially those nearing retirement.
International union chief Roxanne Brown emphasized that disruptions in Pennsylvania affect Ontario and that Quebec’s aluminum sector mirrors Ohio’s challenges, pointing to joint projects such as Virginia submarines equipped with Nova Scotia radar. Local leaders Alain Duhamel of Nova Tube and Jason Braconnier of ArcelorMittal described factories operating on “life support” after the 2018 tariffs and one outlet 50% rates.
They urged both governments to prioritize workers, resume meaningful dialogue, and counter China’s excess steel flooding global markets. While Canada has introduced subsidies and a $100-million interprovincial trade program, union heads argue the aid arrived too late and more measures are needed for displaced workers.
Why it matters
The dispute threatens thousands of North-American steel jobs and could weaken the continent’s industrial base.
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