Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Pierre Poilievre, Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition and the Conservative Party of Canada, Ned Kuruc, Conservative Member of Parliament for Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, Kyle Seeback, Conservative Shadow Minister for Labour, and Adam Chambers, Conservative Shadow Minister for Innovation, Science and Industry, released the following statement on the partial closure of Stelco’s Hamilton plant:
“Today’s announcement from Stelco that they are partially shuttering their Hamilton plant and laying off 350 steelworkers is devastating news for workers and their families. Steelworkers are the people who work day in and day out to build up our cities, support Canadian manufacturing and make our economy strong.
“Tonight, hundreds of them will be left wondering how they will keep a roof over their heads, how to ensure their fridges remain stocked with food and how they can afford to keep their kids in hockey this fall. Conservatives will fight for steelworkers. We will fight to save their jobs and save them money so they can pay their bills and feed their families here at home.
“The impact will be felt by the entire community. For over 115 years, Hamilton has been synonymous with Canada’s steel industry, even earning the nickname ‘steeltown.’ The steel industry supports over 100,000 jobs across the economy and is essential for supplying Canadian manufacturing, infrastructure and energy.
“This closure has not been an isolated announcement. 1,000 workers at Algoma Steel were laid off in March, ArcelorMittal shut down its mill in Hamilton last June, leading to 153 job losses, and the United Steelworkers reported 200 job losses in 2025. This announcement is yet more evidence that the current situation of not even being at the negotiation table with the United States is taking its toll.
“Canadians want to see action that will protect our workers and save their jobs here at home. The Prime Minister needs to turn rhetoric into reality and deliver for steelworkers who cannot fill their gas tanks with signing ceremonies or pay their mortgages in speeches.
“If the US wants to raise costs on its businesses, we will respond by outcompeting them and lowering taxes, regulations and red tape on ours. It’s time to unleash businesses with the fastest permits, lowest taxes and freest economy so they can hire, make, grow, invent and build right here at home. Conservatives will continue to fight every day to save Canadian jobs and deliver an affordable, safe and independent country.”