Last week, Algoma Steel’s announcement that 1,000 workers would be laid off sent shockwaves through Sault Ste. Marie, a city that has long relied on the company as an economic backbone.

The layoffs, slated to take effect March 23, were a consequence of U.S. steel tariffs and an accelerated transition to electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking, according to the company.

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The layoffs represent one-third of Algoma Steel’s employees, and three per cent of the city’s active workforce.

For many in the city, the news was especially bitter coming just weeks before Christmas.

“It was shocking,” said Joe Wilson, who knows several employees affected by the layoffs.

“It’s going to be a tough Christmas. People have four months to figure out where their life is going. Do they risk

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