[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE]

'Strong as Steel' Campaign Calls on Canadians and Government to Champion Canada's Steel Industry

Ottawa, ON (April 7, 2025) – Today, Canadian steel associations and labour groups are uniting for Strong as Steel, a campaign that calls on Canadians and governments to support the tens of thousands of jobs in hundreds of communities from coast to coast to coast. Earlier this month, Canadians learned that our steel industry would continue to see tariffs from the United States.

“Persistent aggression from President Trump and his top advisors will harm our sector, and could cost Canadian workers, communities, and governments billions of dollars over the months ahead,” said Keanin Loomis, President and CEO of the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction. “The ‘Strong as Steel’ coalition is united in our opposition and we’re calling on everyday Canadians and all levels of government to get involved to protect jobs and prosperity.”

The coalition is a partnership of Canadian associations and labour unions dedicated to supporting the steel sector and pushing back on steel tariffs against Canada. The group is advocating for government responses that will allow Canada’s steel sector to adapt and grow in the face of the trade war started by the United States. The coalition group includes the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction, Ironworkers Canada, the Canadian Steel Producers Association, and is growing in membership.

“Canadian steel has a footprint in communities, big and small, across Canada – but we face an existential threat in our new trading reality with the United States,” said Catherine Cobden, President and CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association. “We need action from governments across Canada, and we are proud to join our industry partners because together, we are Strong as Steel.”

The Strong as Steel campaign calls on Canadians and the government to support the steel sector by sending letters to political leaders, and the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, sharing messages of support on social media, and thanking steel and ironworkers in their local community.

“Canadian workers have always stood strong in the face of adversity. As Ironworkers, we know the value of hard work, unity, and resilience. Together, we stand firm against unjust tariffs, and stand behind every worker who builds North America,” said Colin Daniels, General Vice President & Executive Director of Canadian Affairs, Ironworkers International.

The group is additionally calling on the federal government to introduce domestic procurement requirements for fabricated steel on Canadian infrastructure projects—especially taxpayer-funded projects—and tariff relief for Canadian steel businesses that rely on products that aren’t made in Canada, among other requests.

Media Contact

Rita Rahmati

Director, Communications and Public Affairs

Canadian Institute of Steel Construction

1-647-289-9774

rrahmati@cisc-icca.ca