Canadian Prime Minister Accuses U.S. Steel Owner of Betraying Workers Amid Layoffs

Lafayette, LA, September 29, 2026 —

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly accused Cleveland-Cliffs, the U.S. owner of Canadian steel manufacturer Stelco, of betraying Canadian workers. The accusation comes in the wake of recent layoffs announced at Stelco.

According to statements, the company cited U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs as a partial contributing factor to the decision to reduce its workforce. Cleveland-Cliffs’ Chief Executive Officer has previously expressed public support for these tariffs.

The precise number of workers affected by the layoffs was not specified in the provided information. Similarly, the timeline of the layoffs and the specific dates of the Prime Minister’s statement or the company’s announcement were not detailed.

Stelco, a long-standing Canadian steel producer, is now under the ownership of Cleveland-Cliffs, a company based in the United States. The situation highlights the complex interplay between international trade policies, corporate ownership, and domestic employment.

Prime Minister Carney’s remarks indicate a strong stance against the perceived impact of the U.S. tariffs on Canadian labor within the steel industry. The reference to the tariffs as a partial reason for the job cuts by Cleveland-Cliffs suggests a direct link between the trade measures and the employment status of Stelco employees.

Further details regarding the specific nature of the layoffs, the extent of their impact on Stelco’s operations, and any potential recourse or discussion between the Canadian government and Cleveland-Cliffs were not immediately available.

Story summarized from the original created by ROB GILLIES, Associated Press on www.klfy.com, see more information here.

Media gallery