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- calendar_today October 21, 2026
Ontario Provides Funding for Hamilton's Tariff Response Team
The Ontario government is investing $390,000 to help the City of Hamilton establish a tariff response team. The initiative comes as the hamilton steel industry faces significant job losses and ongoing economic uncertainty, particularly following layoffs at Stelco amid trade tariffs impact.
Government and Local Leaders Announce Support
At Hamilton city hall on Tuesday, Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli, Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath, and local MPPs Monica Ciriello and Jeff Beattie announced details of the support package. The funding will come from the province's Trade-Impacted Communities Program and contribute to a $588,000 city-run effort aimed at helping businesses and workers, especially those impacted by challenges in the steel and manufacturing sectors.
Stelco Layoffs Heighten Need for Assistance
The need for business assistance has grown since Stelco Holdings Inc. announced on September 28 that it would idle part of its Hamilton plant. According to Ron Wells of the Steelworkers Union Local 1005, 333 layoffs are expected in Hamilton, while Local 8782 president John McElroy said up to 50 layoffs could occur at Stelco's Lake Erie Works in Nanticoke. Despite these layoffs, the company’s U.S. parent, Cleveland-Cliffs, recently reported its strongest third quarter since acquiring Stelco in 2024.
Tariff Response Team to Guide Businesses and Workers
Mayor Andrea Horwath emphasized the importance of supporting workers and families through challenging times, describing the creation of the tariff response team as a vital measure to ensure affected individuals gain access to available government funding and retraining programs. Horwath likened the team to "a pair of scissors that will help cut through red tape," easing the process for businesses to find and access appropriate support and new markets. Economic Development Minister Fedeli added that the team will simplify navigating existing provincial and federal programs, connecting businesses directly with the support they need.
Political Debate Around Stelco’s Future
The steel industry layoffs and broader trade tariffs impact have reignited debate over Stelco’s future ownership. Some political leaders, including federal NDP Leader Avi Lewis and Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles, have proposed that Stelco be nationalized. While Minister Fedeli did not confirm whether the provincial government is considering public ownership, he highlighted ongoing collaboration with steel companies and referenced recent provincial investments in other steel producers, such as Tenaris in Sault Ste. Marie.
Federal Government Weighs In
Canadian Industry Minister Mélanie Joly noted that Ottawa is monitoring the situation closely, particularly in light of Cleveland-Cliffs’ stated support for U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel. Joly indicated that options under consideration include urging Cleveland-Cliffs to divest its Canadian assets, imposing financial penalties, and proceeding with potential legal action in cooperation with the steelworkers union and other stakeholders. She said further information would be released in the coming days.
Source: cbc.ca.
