Tariff Clash: Carney Under Pressure as Trump Doubles Down on Steel

Carney Under Pressure

The battle over steel and aluminum has erupted once again, and all eyes are on Prime Minister Mark Carney as pressure mounts for Canada to match President Donald Trump’s shocking tariff hike. ⚖️

On Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order doubling U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to a whopping 50% — up from 25%. He claims it’s about “protecting American security and jobs,” but for Canada’s steel and aluminum industries, the impact could be devastating.

“It’s a crushing blow,” said Catherine Cobden, head of the Canadian Steel Producers Association. “At 25%, we already saw layoffs, stalled investment, and shipments drying up. At 50%, it’s game over for Canadian steel in the U.S.”

Cobden’s message to Ottawa was blunt: “We need urgent action now. Retaliate. Match these tariffs. Don’t leave us hanging.”

🛠️ Communities in Peril

The stakes are sky-high for Ontario, home to six of Canada’s thirteen steel plants. Premier Doug Ford said he’s told Carney directly that Canada can’t just sit and watch. “We can’t let President Trump steamroll us. Every day we delay adds uncertainty and costs to our steel sector,” Ford warned. “We need to hit back now.”

Industry Minister Melanie Joly says she’s already spoken to at least ten steel and aluminum CEOs — and she knows communities are nervous. But she says the federal government won’t rush blindly.

“We’re exploring all the scenarios,” she said. “We’ll take action soon — but we need to make sure it’s the best move.”

👥 Calls for Speedy Action

Opposition parties aren’t holding back. Interim NDP Leader Don Davies says Carney needs to act quickly. “I’m a little surprised Carney says he needs more time,” he said. “We’ve all seen this coming — there’s no time to waste.”

Labour leaders echoed that frustration. Canadian Labour Congress president Bea Bruske said the federal government needs to “meet force with force” — with new surtaxes on U.S. steel and aluminum, and emergency supports for any workers who lose their jobs. 🛑

Meanwhile, Liberal MPs representing steel towns looked visibly shaken when they met in caucus. MP Lisa Hepfner of Hamilton warned bluntly: “Thousands of jobs lost. The end of the industry.”

MP Terry Sheehan of Sault Ste. Marie, home to Algoma Steel, said: “It’s not just about jobs — it’s about whole communities. If steel goes down, people lose their homes, their savings, everything.”

🔧 A Divided Parliament

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre took to social media to blast Trump’s move as “wrong and unjustified,” urging Carney to take a “strong stance” and secure a deal with Washington fast. His deputy, Melissa Lantsman, pushed for an emergency debate in Parliament, arguing Canadians deserve answers now.

“For steelworkers worried about their paycheques, for families struggling to keep a roof over their heads — Liberal ministers must answer for this,” she said. But Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia denied the request, saying it didn’t meet the threshold for an emergency debate.

⚡ What’s Next?

Carney says the government is in “intensive” talks with Washington, calling the tariffs “unlawful and unjustified.” But he’s also hinted that Canada won’t wait forever.

“We need some time — not much — to figure out the best way to protect Canadians,” Carney said. “These are global tariffs, not just aimed at Canada, but we won’t let them go unanswered.”

Economists warn the impact could ripple through everything from home construction to auto plants to the humble soup can. Canada is a major supplier of both steel and aluminum to the U.S. — and if that market closes, the fallout could be severe.

For now, the clock is ticking. Communities are worried. Businesses are anxious. And steelworkers are bracing for what could be a bruising trade battle ahead. 💥