Stelco

Canadian commentator Avi Lewis is calling for the nationalization of steelmaker Stelco, arguing its American owners have broken their commitments and that its CEO supports US tariffs that threaten Canada's manufacturing base. The argument is that Canada cannot afford to lose its steel industry and that public ownership is the answer as trade tensions with Washington intensify.

Stelco, the Ontario steelmaker, is slowing operations and laying off hundreds of workers in Hamilton and Nanticoke. CEO Alan Kestenbaum said no amount of money could have prevented the slowdown, pointing to the impact of US tariffs on Canadian steel. Reports link the decision to the trade war under Trump, and commentators are debating whether Canada's steel industry can survive. Workers describe the layoffs as devastating, with many facing an uncertain financial future.

Stelco has started laying off workers at its Hamilton steel plant, drawing criticism from employees and the union. One worker told CTV News the cuts are confusing since the plant mostly serves Canadian orders, and called the layoffs 'blackmail.' The union says the layoffs could set up a court battle with the federal government over tariff-related obligations.

Prime Minister Mark Carney accused US steelmaker Cleveland-Cliffs of betraying Canadian workers after it announced plans to shut down parts of its Stelco operations in Ontario. Carney said the government will take all necessary steps to ensure the company meets its legal obligations, protecting jobs and communities that depend on the steel industry.