Premier Doug Ford is taking aim at the leadership of Stelco’s parent company, saying the steelmaker deserves an owner who supports its workers.
At a press conference in Hamilton on Wednesday, Ford criticized Lourenco Goncalves, president and CEO of Cleveland-Cliffs, after the executive publicly praised U.S. tariffs on steel under President Donald Trump.
Goncalves has spoken favourably about doubling tariffs from 25 to 50 per cent and recently applauded a U.S. Department of Commerce move to expand the scope of those tariffs.
The premier went as far as to suggest that Stelco should find a new owner.
Ford’s remarks came during an announcement of $70 million in funding for training and employment services for workers in industries impacted by U.S. tariffs.
He stressed the importance of manufacturing products in Ontario—including steel rails and I-beams—to support the province’s construction and transit projects.