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.

Canada’s steel industry is facing its greatest challenge in a generation. The U.S. has imposed punitive tariffs of up to 50% on Canadian steel. At the same time, dumped and unfairly traded steel continues to flood into Canada from global producers, threatening the survival of our industry.

Canadian steel supports over 23,000 direct and up to 160,000 indirect jobs. It builds our bridges, hospitals, transit and cars, and produces three times less carbon pollution than imported steel.

The United Steelworkers union is calling on federal lawmakers to stand up for steel by delivering urgent support for workers, stopping unfairly traded imports and building an industrial strategy that puts Canadian workers and communities first.

Take action

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

      1. Support for workers: More than 1,000 layoffs have already been announced. Without urgent support, thousands more jobs are at risk.
      2. Stop unfairly traded imports from undermining Canadian steel – for good
      3. Build an industrial strategy to secure the future of the steel industry: Canada can’t rebuild if it can’t build.

Find out more in our new lobby document.

Fighting back against Trump tariffs

Find out more about what Steelworkers are doing to fight back against Trump’s aluminum and steel tariffs here.

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Events

Resources

USW federal budget submission 2025

Submissions
July 31, 2025
USW federal budget submission 2025

Protecting Canadian jobs in a trade war

Reports
July 30, 2025
Protecting Canadian jobs in a trade war

USW fact sheet on the federal response to the trade war and the crisis in Canadian industry

Misc. Resources
June 23, 2025
USW fact sheet on the federal response to the trade war and the crisis in Canadian industry

The Canada Work-Sharing Program

Booklets & Manuals
April 3, 2025
The Canada Work-Sharing Program