Joly says Canada must send a message to Stelco's owner over broken job promises

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly says Cleveland-Cliffs broke its Investment Canada Act commitments to protect jobs when it bought Stelco in 2024. The company announced 500 job cuts and a partial closure of its Hamilton site last month.

"My point is we are in a trade war right now. We need to send a message."

— Industry Minister Mélanie Joly

Cleveland-Cliffs says it is in full compliance, but Joly notes that its CEO publicly backed the US tariffs the company now blames.

What's next

Ottawa wants a timeline to restore jobs and threatens court action if layoffs of unionized workers continue. Joly says a forced sale of assets or financial penalties are being considered.