Federal and Ontario NDP leaders are urging the Canadian government to nationalize Hamilton-based steelmaker Stelco amid ongoing layoffs that violate the company's agreement under the Investment Canada Act. Federal NDP Leader Avi Lewis and Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles argue that immediate action is necessary to prevent job losses and protect the Canadian steel industry. The layoffs, announced by Stelco's American owner Cleveland-Cliffs, affect between 300 and 350 workers and come amid a Canada-U.S. trade war.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly has vowed to take Cleveland-Cliffs to court, but Lewis contends that legal action will take too long to save jobs. He cited the United Kingdom's nationalization of British Steel as a precedent that protected thousands of jobs. Lewis also criticized Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves for supporting U.S. tariffs that have contributed to the layoffs, calling them a threat to Canada's manufacturing base.
Stiles pushed for Ontario Premier Doug Ford to collaborate with the federal government to transfer Stelco's ownership to public hands and Canadian management. She emphasized the broader impact on Hamilton's economy and the steel industry. Stiles also called for a tariff relief package and a 'Buy Ontario First' procurement strategy. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated he will wait for Cleveland-Cliffs' response to Joly's letter before deciding on further action.
Legal experts and opposition leaders have weighed in on the situation. Nicolas Lamp, a professor at Queen's University, suggested that the government should consider public ownership to preserve Canada's steel expertise. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre supported legal action but emphasized the need for a tariff-free deal to resolve the issue.