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Canadian Steel Producers Respond to Government of Canada's Plan for our Industry

Canadian Steel Producers Respond to Government of Canada's Plan for our Industry

Cision Canada26-06-2025
OTTAWA, ON, June 26, 2025 /CNW/ - Catherine Cobden, President and CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA), released the following statement:
"Canadian steel producers face a dire situation. The unjustified tariffs by the United States have delivered a significant blow to our industry. Initially set at 25% and adjusted to 50% on June 4 th, these tariffs are devastating. The US was a destination market for 6.5 million tonnes of Canadian steel. Consequently, we have significantly dropped shipments and have experienced close to one thousand job losses to date and are preparing for thousands more.
"Last week, the Canadian government announced a package of new and future measures to address the steel sector's concerns. While we appreciated their willingness to act, we are concerned that the immediate measures fail to address the crisis we are in.
"A newly proposed border measure – a tariff rate quota (TRQ) – has been announced that will continue to allow high levels of foreign steel into our country tariff-free. The industry had asked repeatedly for significantly lower import levels on unfair traders to regain market share at home. We believe it is long overdue to expect a rules-based trading environment within Canada. In its current form, the TRQ will do little to support our industry.
"While our sector applauds the proposal for additional measures to fight global overcapacity with our melted and poured policy, the government's plan to implement these only in the coming weeks is at odds with the extreme urgency we are feeling."
"The government has set a 30-day deadline for a new economic and security relationship with the United States. We appreciate the government's plan to reinstate a strong counter tariff package on the US depending on how those discussions progress. It remains a fact however that significant volumes of US steel continue to enjoy the privilege of entering Canada tariff-free while we face a 50% tariff that has essentially closed the US market to the Canadian industry.
"It is encouraging to hear renewed commitments to use steel in future public projects where this is feasible. This is a laudable long-term objective. However, without the right border actions, our steel producers will be unable to contribute to projects around our country because we will be a significantly reduced and weakened industry.
"The government has committed to review the elements of this plan in 30 days. It is our sincerest objective to work with the government constructively to find a path forward that supports our country and our industry as quickly as possible."
About the Canadian Steel Producers Association
The Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA) is the national voice of all primary steel producers and some of the country's largest steel consumers. Our 17 members supply the essential materials to key sectors such as automotive, energy, construction, and transportation—driving jobs and economic growth across North America. The CSPA advocates for a competitive and sustainable business environment that strengthens the steel sector and its supply chains.
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Sellers, on the other hand are prepared to hold firm or, in more dire circumstances, end up setting new benchmarks for prices in their neighbourhood. Pent-up demand remains contained, as a result, at least until one or two more interest rate cuts can really stimulate activity. The swing market, encompassing properties priced between $2.8 million and $3.3 million, has been the most affected during this challenging period. Listing inventory is high at the entry-level to the luxury price point and sales are few and far between. Conversely, the luxury market, priced around $3.8 million to $4 million, has been less impacted, as purchases in this range are often driven more by desire than necessity. Greater Toronto Area's housing market is navigating a complex landscape marked by varying levels of demand across different price segments. The delayed spring market — finally materializing in June — has injected new energy, with increased interest and activity, although buyers remain cautious and sellers steadfast. As external factors such as interest rate cuts and easing trade tensions come into play, GTA market's dynamics may shift, potentially unlocking pent-up demand and fostering a more balanced environment. Durham Region Rapid population growth has contributed to strong homebuying activity over the past decade in Durham Region, but buyers have pulled back in 2025 given hesitation in the market attributed to overall economic uncertainty and concerns over Canada-U.S. trade negotiations. Affordability has been a major draw for buyers to the area in recent years, with single-detached properties often priced well under homes in the 416-area code. This year, however, the number of properties that have changed hands is down by 20 per cent and more throughout the region, while average prices are holding relatively stable. 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Parliamentary interpreters sound alarm over coming changes to procurement rules
Parliamentary interpreters sound alarm over coming changes to procurement rules

Winnipeg Free Press

timean hour ago

  • Winnipeg Free Press

Parliamentary interpreters sound alarm over coming changes to procurement rules

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