Ontario steel and auto action plan highlighted in Sault Ste. Marie
SAULT STE. MARIE, Ontario — Federal officials used a November 13 visit to Sault Ste. Marie to outline a Canada–Ontario response intended to support steelmakers, vehicle manufacturers and workers facing trade pressures.
Parliamentary Secretary Yasir Naqvi highlighted an action plan that includes a proposed Joint Steel Action Fund, stronger government procurement preferences for Canadian and Ontario products, anti-dumping protections and a federal–provincial steel task force. An automotive task force and support for factory modernization also feature in the plan.
Industries affected by tariffs
The official announcement cited $8.7 billion in investments and related measures to help strengthen strategic industries. That figure describes a broader group of measures; it is not a single $8.7-billion grant to Sault Ste. Marie.
For steel and automotive employers, the announced priorities include modern equipment, more stable supply chains and access to domestic procurement opportunities. The governments also propose coordinated work on critical-mineral infrastructure and permitting, including First Nations engagement.
Workers and businesses will need to consult the individual program terms to establish what assistance is available and when applications open. The November 13 release does not list company-level awards for Sault Ste. Marie.