Freeland reiterates pledge to prioritize Canadian steel, aluminum at Hamilton summit

Canada’s response to the trade war was front and centre in Hamilton Tuesday, as the federal government hosted a Ferries and Rail Summit in an effort to build a strong domestic market for steel producers.

The summit was held at Dofasco to discuss the subject of ferries and rails with steel companies.

Transportation Minister Chrystia Freeland says Hamilton’s own Ontario shipyards are one of those key players that were present on Tuesday, adding that they’re eager to use local steel to produce ships for the country.

“We had Ontario shipyards here. They were very proud to be present and absolutely they need to be part of the solution, part of the solution to building ships and ferries here in Canada. and part of the solution of using Canadian steel and aluminum when we do that,” Freeland says.

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CHCH News also had a chance to catch up with the moderator of Tuesday’s summit, the CEO of the Canadian Ferry Association (CFA) and ask him if it’s feasible to build ferries

He says it’s difficult to produce maritime grade steel domestically.

“Marine grade steel is something very specific and is even regulated and there is very little marine grade steel produced in Canada,” says Serge Buy, the CEO of CFA.

“One company is actually trying to sign a partnership with Algoma to develop that, so we are looking forward to future efforts on this and as ferry operators we support any efforts to increase Canadian products into our supply chain.”

So while there aren’t any firm commitments yet, today’s summit is being touted as a step in the right direction, part of a broader push for the Canada first movement.

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