Using Canadian steel for defence, industry is a turning point, union says – National [Video]

A commitment by the federal government to use Canadian steel and aluminum for major national defence and infrastructure projects could be a “turning point” for Canada’s economy, the union representing steelworkers said Monday.

“The United Steelworkers (USW) welcomes the federal government’s decision to require Canadian steel and aluminum in national infrastructure and defense projects,” the union’s national director Marty Warren said.

The statement comes after Industry Minister Melanie Joly committed to using Canadian steel and aluminum in national infrastructure and defence projects as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to impose more tariffs.

After meeting with aluminum industry leaders at a summit in Montreal, Joly said the government is waiting to see if Trump follows through on his threat to increase steel and aluminum tariffs to 50 per cent through an executive order.

The hike in tariffs is set to go into effect Wednesday.

Warren said this action by the Canadian government was especially important “in …