Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland emphasized the need for significant amounts of steel and aluminum to support the federal government's initiative to "build Canada." Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, she noted that industry leaders from the rail, maritime, and shipbuilding sectors agree that as much of this material as possible should be sourced from Canada.

Freeland made her remarks outside the ArcelorMittal Dofasco steel plant in Hamilton, Ontario, after a private meeting focused on developing Canadian ferries and rail infrastructure. The meeting included representatives from various sectors, steel companies, unions, and elected officials, including Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Some attendees participated in person, while others, like the premier, joined virtually.

"This was about really putting them together with the steel industry, putting them together with the aluminum industry, to be sure that as you're building Canada, we are using Canadian steel, we are using Canadian aluminum," Freeland stated. She described the meeting as "productive" and "practical," although she did not disclose specific outcomes or future actions.

Participants discussed the challenges of building in Canada and how the government could assist. Freeland pointed out that most of Canada's retaliatory tariffs have been lifted, but some remain on non-CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement) compliant goods, including steel and aluminum products.

During the event, Freeland was joined by local Liberal MPs, including Aslam Rana, John-Paul Danko, Lisa Hepfner, Sima Acan, and John Zerucelli, who serves as the Secretary of State for Labour. When asked about B.C. Ferries' recent decision to purchase ships built in China, Freeland expressed that she was "encouraged and inspired" by the enthusiasm for increasing domestic production. She assured that Ontario builders would be involved in this effort.

The backdrop to these discussions includes ongoing trade tensions, with Canadian-made steel and aluminum facing a 50% tariff at the U.S. border. In response to these trade challenges, Canadian leaders have suggested strengthening the domestic market, particularly in Hamilton. In retaliation, Canada imposed duties on $60 billion worth of U.S. goods, although many of those tariffs were removed recently.

The federal government has also committed to supporting businesses facing trade difficulties, including a three-year, $450 million program announced by Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, during a visit to a Hamilton manufacturer in late August.