OTTAWA – The chief of Canada’s steel industry association, Catherine Cobden, expressed her disappointment regarding specific aspects of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent announcement aimed at supporting the domestic steel and lumber markets in light of U.S. tariffs. On Wednesday, November 27, 2025, Carney outlined new initiatives designed to assist Canadian producers in finding alternative markets for their products within the country.
The measures introduced in this package include the implementation of stricter quotas on foreign steel entering Canada. Additionally, the government has promised to reduce freight rates for materials transported across provincial borders by rail. These steps are seen as essential for an industry facing significant challenges due to restricted access to the U.S. market.
Despite welcoming these moves, Cobden emphasized that the measures might not be sufficient to compensate for the lost access to the critical U.S. market. She highlighted the urgent need for relief within the steel industry, which continues to struggle under the weight of ongoing tariffs and trade barriers. The Canadian Steel Producers Association represents a sector that is pivotal to the Canadian economy, and Cobden’s remarks reflect the broader concerns of her members.
One particular area of disappointment for the steel industry was the government's decision to announce a second extension of Canada's remission program for certain steel importers operating within essential industries. Cobden articulated her concerns that this extension dilutes Ottawa's retaliatory tariffs on U.S. steel, potentially undermining the effectiveness of the measures aimed at strengthening the domestic steel sector.
Cobden vowed to hold the federal government accountable to its commitments after Carney indicated that the remission program would conclude at the end of January, which is more than three months beyond the original deadline. This reassurance was perceived as a positive development, yet it raised questions about the impact of the extension on the industry’s recovery and competitiveness.
The Canadian steel industry is at a crucial juncture, and the latest adjustments by the government represent only a part of the multifaceted challenges faced. As producers adapt to the changing landscape marked by international trade tensions and tariffs, there is a pressing need for more robust, long-term solutions that would secure the industry's future. For now, the industry remains focused on navigating these immediate challenges while seeking opportunities to expand within the domestic market.
