About the campaign

Canadian-made steel is a win for jobs, communities and the climate.
Without a solid Canadian steel industry, we’ll lose good, community-sustaining jobs and see a rise in global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Since 1984, the share of imports has climbed from 15.5% of the Canadian steel market to 61% in 2023. This level of import penetration is unsustainable.
The Canadian steel industry provides 23,000 direct and 100,000 indirect jobs in Canada. Meanwhile, Canadian steel produces roughly three times less greenhouse gas emissions than imported steel.

Using lower carbon Canadian-made steel could reduce up to 900 million tonnes of carbon pollution annually, according to Blue Green Canada and Clean Energy Canada.

Canada needs to match massive physical infrastructure investments we have seen in the United States and the Inflation Reduction Act’s ties to use of clean steel:  IRA contains $433 billion in new investments and spending, $369 billion of which is dedicated to energy security and climate change programs.

Take action

Join the campaign to Stand up for Steel now, by calling on your MP to support:

  1. Using Canadian-made steel in infrastructure projects.
  2. Implementing a border carbon adjustment.
  3. Expanding the capacity of the CBSA to identify unfairly traded steel.

News

Image for The United Steelworkers union welcomes new tariffs that will protect jobs in Canada’s steel and aluminum sectors

The United Steelworkers union welcomes new tariffs that will protect jobs in Canada’s steel and aluminum sectors

October 22, 2024 | Media Releases

TORONTO – The United Steelworkers union (USW) applauds today’s implementation of tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum products, following the Government of Canada’s decision to address unfair trade practices. This move is a crucial step in safeguarding domestic industries and preserving union jobs across the country. “Today’s entry into force of this new border measures […]

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A group of people wearing blue shirts and taking a photo outdoor. The Canadian Parliament Building appears in the background.

Steelworkers Stand Up for Steel in Ottawa 

June 4, 2024 | News Articles

More than 60 USW national and local union leaders, staff and activists descended on Ottawa for the union’s Stand Up for Steel Conference, June 3 and 4.   The conference’s first day included regional, local union and workplace updates, presentations on union priorities, industrial policy, trade, global trends, trade law and lobbying.  “We can’t overstate […]

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Made in China steel pipes from the Pattullo Bridge project

B.C. government should “buy Canadian” for Massey Tunnel replacement

October 25, 2023 | Media Releases

The United Steelworkers union (USW) welcomes the news that the Massey Tunnel replacement project is moving to the next steps, the USW is reminding governments that it is time to focus on using more local goods and materials. “Governments always claim trade laws prohibit them from “buying Canadian,” but there is a lot more that […]

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Events

Resources

Significant progress on key demands

May 31, 2024
Click to view Significant progress on key demands

Priorities for the steel sector

Reports
May 31, 2024
Click to view Priorities for the steel sector

Stand up for Steel Action

Misc. Resources
June 16, 2022
Click to view Stand up for Steel Action

Strong as Steel brochure

Research & Publications
June 6, 2022
Click to view Strong as Steel brochure

Four key federal government demands

Canada’s Parliament must act NOW to ensure the long-term health of the Canadian steel industry and the key jobs it provides.

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Find your member of parliament

Find your Member of Parliament here and contact them to set up a (physically-distanced or virtual) meeting: