Canadian workers in the steel and aluminum sectors have been laid off in their hundreds due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
This week, Canada Metal Processing Group announced that it is laying off 140 workers in Ontario and Quebec. The company characterized this decision as “difficult but necessary” to “respond to the current challenging market environment and the threat of incoming tariffs from the United States on steel and steel derivatives.”
MPG Canada President Matt Walker told investors, “Our employees are the backbone of our operations. They work hard, day in and day out, to create steel products which are recognized for their quality and good customer service while being an integral part of the Canada-U.S. supply chain.”
“While it is impossible at this juncture to predict how long these actions by the United States will last, the Canadian government must be prepared to react quickly to safeguard the long-term viability of Canadian steel product manufacturers, and the collective job security of our employees,” Walker stated.
Ontario-based Algoma Steel has also laid off dozens of employees in March and anticipates further losses.
Marty Warren, national director of the United Steelworkers Union, expects a “tidal wave” of layoffs as the 30-day reprieve granted by Trump ends next week. “With the full-blown tariffs coming in on April 2, it will probably affect 100,000 of our members,” he said.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced measures enabling Canadian workers who lose their jobs to access employment insurance earlier.
By CEO NA Editorial Staff
