A surprising 50 per cent tariff on steel and aluminum imports has sparked concern among Saskatchewan workers and industry leaders.
Paul Chevrier, president of United Steelworkers Local 5917, warns the tariffs could significantly affect the province’s steel production, manufacturing and jobs.
“We represent just under 700 members across about 16 workplaces,” Chevrier said. “A good chunk of them work at Evraz, handling steel scrap, truck maintenance and mineral supply. If tariffs reduce steel sales, that leads to lower production and job losses.”
“It’s a chain reaction,” he said. “Higher costs mean fewer sales. Fewer sales means less work. Less work leads to layoffs.”
According to Chevrier, the effects of the tariffs could ripple across industries. Many workers he represents are in manufacturing, including local businesses like Degelman Industries and Ralph McKay Industries, which rely on U.S. exports. If tariffs make Canadian goods more expensive, U.S. buyers may reduce orders, leading to layoffs.
For some steelworkers, the new tariffs bring back painful memories. One Steelworker, who requested anonymity, said the announcement felt like déjà vu.
“I thought we were done with this,” the worker said. “When Trump first slapped tariffs on Canadian steel, we were worried about layoffs and work-share programs. Now we’re right back where we started.”
The worker, who has spent over a decade in the industry, said he’s nervous about what’s next.
“Work-share helps for a while, but it’s not a real solution. A lot of us have mortgages and families to feed. We can’t afford another downturn.” said the worker.
On Mach 9, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent increase to the existing 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports. Coming as a response to Canadas own tariffs on American goods. This move highlights the presidents’ stance on U.S. Canada trade relations after similar threats made during Trumps first term caused uncertainties in the steel industry.
While local workers can’t change trade policy, Chevrier said the United Steelworkers are taking action. The union has met with government officials to advocate for fair trade policies.
“We met with Carla Beck and some NDP representatives last week, and Mike Day, another union president, has spoken with Conservative leaders,” he said. “We need decision-makers to understand these tariffs’ impact on working families.”
With its headquarters in Pittsburgh, the union can lobby Canadian and U.S. governments.
“The Steelworkers are pushing hard on both sides of the border,” Chevrier said. “Canada isn’t the problem here.”
The tariffs could affect more than just steelworkers. Many Saskatchewan businesses rely on steel-related industries, meaning economic strain could spread further.
“As costs rise for manufacturers, those increases will be passed down to consumers,” Chevrier said. “Farm equipment manufacturers struggle to compete in the U.S. market. If tariffs make their products even more expensive, they may lose sales and cut jobs.”
The United Steelworkers have officially opposed the tariffs. In a Feb. 10 press release, USW international president David McCall criticized the decision, calling for a “measured approach” that supports North American manufacturing while distinguishing between trusted trade partners and countries engaging in unfair practices.
