City of Hamilton Wraps Up Steel Summit with United Support

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton stood united with world-class industry leaders, union representatives and elected officials, including the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, in letting Hamilton’s steel workers and pensioners know that their voices were not only heard, but mattered, on the steel trade issue.

While Canada and the United States continue the conversation about the steel trade on the international stage, it was the local stage that the City of Hamilton focused on.

Today, the City hosted a half-day economic Summit to make the business case for a strong local and national steel industry. Key industry spokespersons shared their knowledge and expertise with an engaged crowd. Bringing in world-class industry leaders, union representatives and elected officials, including His Worship Christian Provenzano, Mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, it was a morning of lively discussion and significant agreement on the issues on all fronts.

In a key note address by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, the Minister referenced Hamilton as the backbone of the steel industry. To this end, while Hamilton has greatly diversified its economy, it has a long history of being Canada’s “Steel City.’  It’s a title that Hamilton wears proudly.

“Steel is a vital part of our local economy. Although it is early days in terms of the effects of these tariffs, if they remain for a significant period of time, this could affect 10,000 direct steel and 40,000 indirect steel jobs. Clearly, our actions today are designed to let our provincial and federal partners know that we support their efforts to protect our industry, our economy, and most importantly, our people here in Hamilton and across the country.  Protecting our jobs will protect a great city, and a great quality of life for every Hamiltonian.” - Jason Thorne, General Manager, Planning and Economic Development, City of Hamilton

“Today’s summit reinforces what we already know: that steel is the foundation of Canadian manufacturing and critical to the future of an advanced economy. In these unprecedented times, today’s gathering provided more insight into the complexities of trade and steel. It also reinforced our resilience and our ability to come together ensuring our industry, businesses and workers continue to thrive and succeed. I’m encouraged by the dialogue today between steel industry experts, union leaders, government officials, community stakeholders and members of the public.” - Fred Eisenberger, Mayor, City of Hamilton

The City would like to acknowledge the sponsorship of the Steel Summit by Gowling WLG. Richard Dearden, Senior Litigation Partner at Gowling, was a keynote speaker as well and spoke to Canada’s trade relationship with the United States today.

City staff will report back to the City’s General Issues Committee before the end of the year with a summary of the Steel Summit, along with recommendations for a longer term engagement strategy with the federal and provincial governments.

For more information about the Summit and to view the event recording, please go to: www.hamilton.ca/hamiltonsteelsummit