Premier Doug Ford’s government is on the defensive over a $100 million loan to Algoma Steel now that the Sault Ste. Marie company has announced it is laying off 1,000 workers — about 40 per cent of its staff.

Opposition parties said Thursday the aid should have come with provisions to protect jobs, but Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli maintained the money was necessary to keep Algoma afloat in the face of punishing 50 per cent steel tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump.

“They are open today because we put the $100 million loan in,” he told MPPs in the legislature’s daily question period, saying the money is “critical to saving as many jobs as possible” as Algoma shifts to electric arc furnaces with much lower greenhouse gas emissions.

New Democrat Leader Marit Stiles charge

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