Translate Politics Parliament in plain language.

Steel and Aluminum Industry

In question period, members discussed layoffs at Stelco and the government’s dealings with its U.S. parent company, Cleveland-Cliffs. The Conservatives asked the industry minister to table the letter she said she would provide outlining Cleveland-Cliffs’s breaches of its contract, arguing that more letters and shifted deadlines do not help steelworkers, and proposed steps such as pre-approving LNG projects, cutting industry taxes, and regulatory changes to make the sector more competitive. The minister said the government’s position is that the workers should be back on the job, that Stelco and Cleveland-Cliffs have three days to comply or the government will sue, and invited the Conservatives to work together on American tariffs and steel protection, pointing to the next day’s budget.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

4 statements

Michael Guglielmin

Conservative

Linked statement

“The industry minister promised to show the House her letter about Cleveland-Cliffs breaking its contract. Reporters have the letter, but members of Parliament still do not, while workers are losing their jobs. I want the minister to give the letter to the House today.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, it is another week, another letter sent to Cleveland-Cliffs, yet workers are still facing layoffs. Now, on October 26, the industry minister said she would provide the House with the demand letter that outlines the numerous breaches Cleveland-Cliffs made in its contract, yet she has not followed through. I have asked for that letter repeatedly in the House, yet parliamentarians still have not seen it, but I did learn that the media has a copy. Therefore, if she is willing to provide it to reporters, certainly she could provide it here for members of the House. Will she table it today, yes or no?

View on ourcommons.ca

Mélanie Joly

Liberal
“We want Stelco employees back at work. Stelco and Cleveland-Cliffs have three days left, or we will take them to court.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to Stelco, our position is clear. We want the workers to be back working, period. That is why we are waiting for Stelco and we are waiting for Cleveland-Cliffs. There are three days left. If not, we are suing.

View on ourcommons.ca

Michael Guglielmin

Conservative
“Steelworkers need our industry to be more competitive, not more letters and changed deadlines. Conservatives have offered real solutions, like approving gas projects to create demand for Canadian steel, cutting the carbon tax for industry, and fixing regulations and taxes. Will the government work with us on these plans?”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the minister keeps sending letters and moving deadlines, but what workers really need is a more competitive industry. Conservatives have offered some concrete solutions, like pre-approving LNG projects so we can signal demand to industry for Canadian steel and getting rid of the industrial carbon tax. We have also argued for regulatory and tax reform. Will the Liberals today commit to advancing our proposals and work with us to make Canada the most competitive place to do business in the world, yes or no?

View on ourcommons.ca

Mélanie Joly

Liberal
“I want to work with the member to deal with American tariffs, protect our steel sector, and get Stelco employees back to work. I ask him to look at tomorrow's budget, which has our plan to make Canada strong.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I have a lot of respect for my colleague, and I am always willing to work with him. We know that together we need to deal with the American tariffs, we need to protect our steel sector and we need to make sure that, when it comes to Stelco, the workers are back. At the same time, I must say that my colleague needs to look at the budget tomorrow. I am convinced that he will be convinced by our plan to build Canada strong.

View on ourcommons.ca

Discussion

No comments yet

See the full discussion

Comment rules

More from sitting 162

All 41 items ·
  1. Oral Questions Taxation 2 statements
  2. Oral Questions Taxation 4 statements
  3. Oral Questions Publics Services and Procurement 4 statements
  4. Oral Questions Finance 11 statements
  5. Oral Questions The Economy 4 statements
  6. Oral Questions Finance 6 statements
  7. Oral Questions International Trade 6 statements
  8. Oral Questions Major Projects Office 4 statements
  9. Oral Questions Emergency Management 2 statements
  10. Oral Questions Artificial Intelligence 6 statements
  11. Oral Questions Finance 2 statements
  12. Oral Questions Public Services and Procurement 2 statements
  13. Oral Questions Finance 2 statements
  14. Oral Questions National Defence 2 statements
  15. Oral Questions Housing 2 statements
  16. Oral Questions Major Projects Office 14 statements
  17. Oral Questions Public Services and Procurement 2 statements
  18. Oral Questions The Economy 4 statements
  19. Oral Questions Steel and Aluminum Industry 4 statements
  20. Private Members' Business Wartime Service Recognition Act 12 statements
  21. Government Orders Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 2 31 statements
  22. Government Orders Medical Assistance in Dying Safeguards Act 177 statements
  23. Adjournment Proceedings Adjournment Proceedings 4 statements
  24. Adjournment Proceedings Adjournment Proceedings 4 statements