ONTARIO-Ontario is celebrating a major milestone for made-in-Ontario manufacturing as Algoma Steel ships its first plates of Ontario steel to Davie in Quebec, where they will be used to build the Canadian Coast Guard’s new icebreaking vessel, the Polar Max.
George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, joined representatives from Algoma Steel and Davie to celebrate the shipment, which highlights how Ontario’s steel industry is key to the government’s plan to protect Ontario from U.S. tariffs by strengthening domestic supply chains, unlocking trade within Canada and ensuring Canada’s future is built with Ontario steel.
Algoma Steel is one of North America’s leading producers of high-quality armour plate, and a total of 600 net tons of metal plates will be sent by Algoma Steel to Davie for the Polar Max project. As defence spending accelerates around the world, Ontario will continue to leverage its strengths in advanced manufacturing, critical minerals and steel production to position the province as a trusted partner, ready to meet growing international demand.
“Not only is our government’s support of Algoma Steel safeguarding the northern economy, but it is also putting a spotlight on Ontario’s steel manufacturing capabilities and contributing to Canada’s defence infrastructure,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “We’re enabling Algoma Steel to successfully navigate changing market conditions and U.S tariff impacts, while simultaneously playing an important role in Canada’s security. We’ll continue making every effort to use and promote Ontario steel wherever possible.”
Ontario is the steelmaking hub of Canada, with more than 70 per cent of the country’s steel capacity located in the province. The sector also supports more than 16,000 direct jobs and 55,000 indirect jobs and is a cornerstone of Ontario’s manufacturing supply chain. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is responding to unjustified U.S. tariffs with targeted strategies and investments to enhance steel manufacturing capacity, boost investment attraction and strengthen supply chains for long-term growth.
“Algoma Steel is proud to supply Canadian-made steel for programs that matter to Canadians,” said Rajat Marwah, Chief Executive Officer, Algoma Steel Inc. “This partnership supports skilled jobs in Ontario and strengthens the industrial foundation Ontario and Canada needs to build and maintain critical assets for the future.”
“Davie is proud to deliver the world’s most advanced icebreaker by ensuring we are maximizing the involvement of the strong Canadian manufacturing base behind it,” said James Davies, Chief Executive Officer, Davie. “Working with Algoma puts Canadian steel at the heart of Davie’s shipbuilding capability, strengthening the shipbuilding ecosystem and supporting skilled jobs in Quebec and Ontario.”
