Stelco CEO praises government for being 'incredibly supportive' despite steel tariffs

StelcoexecutiveAlan Kestenbaumpraised the Canadian government forbeing "incredibly supportive" of the steel industry as they continue to battle U.S. tariffs and try toprotect jobs while navigating the industry's"changing landscape."

Kestenbaum andTrudeaumade brief remarks to the media before the meeting atthe Prime Minister's officeThursday, with the CEO thankinggovernment ministers for being "extremely responsive" by text or phone.

"The past support that we've had from the government and the quick, decisive actions we've had from the government have been very, very helpful," he added. "But things have changed and we're here today to talk about what those are and continue working together to persevere the jobs and build the company."

The meeting came amidst continued calls from the Canadian government to have the tariffs on steel and aluminum lifted.

Trudeau meets with the head of Stelco

5 years ago

Duration 2:33

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Alan Kestenbaum in his West Block office on Thursday

Speaking about the new North American free-trade deal earlier this week,Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freelanddescribed the "Section 232"tariffs as "absurd" and saidlifting them is akey part of the trade deal ratification process.

Trudeauechoed the sentiment, calling the tariffs "illegitimate" and the steel industry "extremely important" to Canada.

"We are very much focused on supporting you and supporting the steel industry and all the workers," he said. "Weare working almost daily in meetings with American officials to try and get those tariffs lifted."

Hamilton MPs sat in on meeting

Hamilton-area MPsFilomenaTassiand Bob Bratina, who chairs an all-party steel caucus,were also present for the meeting. Tassi is Minister ofSeniors.

Bratinahas been under fire from steelworkers recently for not doing enough for the industry, including a tense meeting in February where union officials claim heshouted"f--kthe steelworkers" and "f--k thoseStelcopensioners."

The Liberal MP responded to demands for an apology with a statement saying the "conversation became personal," but that it ended with him assuring the union representatives"that we would continue to work hard for steelworkers and their employers despite this meeting."