City of Hamilton Hosts Economic Summit on the Steel Industry

HAMILTON, ON – In making the business case for a strong local and national steel industry, the City of Hamilton aims to put the spotlight directly on the importance of the steel sector to its economy. For Hamilton, it’s not just about protecting jobs and livelihoods; it’s about standing up for a vital key industry sector that affects the quality of life of thousands of Hamiltonians.

The City of Hamilton’s Steel Summit will be a gathering of some of the leading experts in the steel industry including industry executives, elected officials from various levels of government and other industry stakeholders.

At the Summit, industry and business experts will discuss the highly contentious issues facing the industry, including the significant impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel. The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, will provide a keynote address.

For Hamilton, the steel industry is a significant part of the local economy with more than 10,000 people directly employed by the major steel companies. These jobs are primarily with ArcelorMittal Dofasco, Stelco and National Steel Car. According to the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, another 40,000 people are employed in spinoff jobs.

“We can’t stand idly by and watch this fundamental, key sector diminish because of U.S. tariffs. This Summit will help to highlight how the current economic climate is affecting our steel industry, and remind everyone just how vital the steel industry is not just to Hamilton but to our entire country,” said Jason Thorne, General Manager of Planning and Economic Development, City of Hamilton.

Hamilton steel companies are a significant contributor to our local economy providing approximately $16.5 million in taxes to the City last year - nearly 30% of the total industrial contribution.  As well, thousands of pensioners rely on the continued success of the steel industry in our city.

“Thousands of current and retired steel workers contribute to our city in so many ways. They volunteer with local charities, support local programs and initiatives, and pay their taxes. They are a real and positive force behind our economy and the life of our city. When their livelihoods are under threat due to unfair tariffs, we need to do everything possible to stand up for them and their families,” said Fred Eisenberger, Mayor, City of Hamilton.

For more information, please go to: www.hamilton.ca/hamiltonsteelsummit

Hamilton Steel Summit

Event Details Agenda:

Date: Friday, September 7, 2018
Location: Hamilton City Hall, Council Chambers - 71 Main St. West, Hamilton

Time:

8:30 a.m. Networking and light refreshments

9:00 a.m. Opening Remarks - Mayor Fred Eisenberger & Mayor Christian Provenzano (Sault Ste. Marie) Event Host  / Moderator, Frank Mastrandrea – CEO, Steel City Advisors Inc.

9:15 a.m. Keynote Speaker - Richard Dearden, Senior Litigation Partner, Gowling WLG

9:30 a.m. Steel Industry Panel Discussion:
Dr. Peter Warrian – Distinguished Research Fellow, Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto
Joseph Galimberti – President, Canadian Steel Producers Association
Brett House - Vice-President and Deputy Chief Economist, Scotiabank

10:30 a.m. Session Break

10:45 a.m. Keynote Speaker – The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

11:00 a.m. Speakers – including Steel Industry Executives, Elected Officials,(from various levels of government), Industry Stakeholders, Delegations from the public

1:00 p.m. Event ends