Ontario Premier Doug Ford Says He Would 'Blast' Stelco CEO After U.S. Announces Fresh Tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford lambasted the American owner of Hamilton steelmaker Stelco, stating on Wednesday that he is prepared to "blast" the company's CEO for his support of US tariffs on Canadian exports.
Ford was joined by local union officials in announcing $70 million in training and job services for workers laid off as a result of US tariffs and policies.
Last year, Cleveland-Cliffs acquired Stelco for $3.4 billion Canadian. Since President Donald Trump took office and implemented high tariffs, Cleveland-Cliffs and President-CEO Lourenco Goncalves have lobbied for more.
Ford was joined by local union officials in announcing $70 million in training and job services for workers laid off as a result of US tariffs and policies.
Last year, Cleveland-Cliffs acquired Stelco for $3.4 billion Canadian. Since President Donald Trump took office and implemented high tariffs, Cleveland-Cliffs and President-CEO Lourenco Goncalves have lobbied for more.
Canadian-made steel and aluminum are currently subject to 50 percent tariffs when entering the United States.
Speaking inside Stelco union offices on Barton Street East, Ford stated that while he "loves the workers," he had "a problem" with Goncalves' support for tariffs.
"He doesn't give two hoots about people who work at Stelco when he's signing all these letters," the prime minister remarked. "Remember those Stelco workers when the owner comes prancing through your house. He doesn't support you."
Speaking inside Stelco union offices on Barton Street East, Ford stated that while he "loves the workers," he had "a problem" with Goncalves' support for tariffs.
"He doesn't give two hoots about people who work at Stelco when he's signing all these letters," the prime minister remarked. "Remember those Stelco workers when the owner comes prancing through your house. He doesn't support you."
Ford proposed that Cleveland-Cliffs find a new Stelco owner or that the government acquire it.
"I look forward to getting a phone call from him because he has my number," says Ford. "I'm going to blast him."
He then apologized to the audience for becoming upset.
"Sorry, guys — I get passionate about this because I want to protect our country and province."
The mayor calls more tariffs "devastating news
"I look forward to getting a phone call from him because he has my number," says Ford. "I'm going to blast him."
He then apologized to the audience for becoming upset.
"Sorry, guys — I get passionate about this because I want to protect our country and province."
The mayor calls more tariffs "devastating news
The US government said earlier this week that it will raise steel and aluminum tariffs on over 400 products, including wind turbines, mobile cranes, refrigerators, and heavy equipment.
Ford stated that the Canadian government should "hit [Trump] back twice as hard."
"If you roll over, this guy just keeps beating you and beating you and beating you," stated the man.
He also advocated for modifications to the federal government's tariff-rate quotas on foreign steel imports in order to stimulate the domestic market and save jobs.
Mayor Andrea Horwath characterized the tariff increase as an "underhanded move" that is "devastating news" for Hamilton.
"These new tariffs could potentially have a catastrophic impact on our city's workers, manufacturers, and families if they remain in place," Horwath said in a social media message on Wednesday.
He also advocated for modifications to the federal government's tariff-rate quotas on foreign steel imports in order to stimulate the domestic market and save jobs.
Mayor Andrea Horwath characterized the tariff increase as an "underhanded move" that is "devastating news" for Hamilton.
"These new tariffs could potentially have a catastrophic impact on our city's workers, manufacturers, and families if they remain in place," Horwath said in a social media message on Wednesday.
The US increased its tax on Canadian imports to 35%. How big an impact will it have?
VideoStelco's new CEO explains why he is bullish about local steel manufacturing, pollution levels, and tariffs.
"Cross-border trade keeps our factories open and our economy moving. "This decision endangers both."
Goncalves, for his part, praised the tariffs and expressed gratitude to President Trump.
"Today's action taken by the Secretary of Commerce gives us certainty that the American domestic market will not be undercut by unfairly traded steel embedded in derivative products," according to a statement issued Monday. "That allows us to continue to invest in our [U.S.] stainless steel operations."
VideoStelco's new CEO explains why he is bullish about local steel manufacturing, pollution levels, and tariffs.
"Cross-border trade keeps our factories open and our economy moving. "This decision endangers both."
Goncalves, for his part, praised the tariffs and expressed gratitude to President Trump.
"Today's action taken by the Secretary of Commerce gives us certainty that the American domestic market will not be undercut by unfairly traded steel embedded in derivative products," according to a statement issued Monday. "That allows us to continue to invest in our [U.S.] stainless steel operations."