NDP Leader calls for nationalization of Stelco

NDP Leader Avi Lewis has called on Prime Minister Carney to nationalize Stelco in an effort to protect Canada’s steel industry and preserve domestic manufacturing.

The demand follows reports that 500 workers in Hamilton are facing layoffs, with notices issued over the Thanksgiving long weekend. Lewis alleges that Stelco’s American owners have violated legally binding commitments made during their 2024 acquisition, specifically regarding the maintenance of unionized and non-unionized staff levels.

Lewis criticized the current ownership, noting the CEO’s support for tariffs that he claims are designed to deindustrialize the Canadian economy. While the federal government is reportedly preparing legal action, Lewis argued that court processes are too slow to prevent permanent industrial loss, citing the UK government’s recent nationalization of British Steel as a potential model.