Ottawa, November 26, 2025 – The Europe Today: Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to announce a series of new aid measures on Wednesday aimed at supporting Canada’s aluminum, steel, and lumber industries, which continue to face significant strain following the imposition of U.S. tariffs.
According to a government source cited by Radio-Canada, the federal government plans to introduce restrictions on foreign steel imports from countries lacking formal trade agreements with Canada. The measure—first reported by the Toronto Star—could open an additional market opportunity valued at approximately $854 million for Canadian producers.
In addition to restricting foreign imports, the government intends to accelerate plans to modernize the domestic steel sector, with the goal of enhancing the competitiveness of Canadian producers within the national market. Ottawa will also seek to reduce interprovincial steel transportation costs by 50 per cent, a move expected to improve supply-chain efficiency and lower logistical burdens.
Further support programs for workers and businesses across the steel and lumber sectors are also set to be announced.
Canadian steel and aluminum producers have faced mounting challenges this year as a result of escalating trade tensions between Ottawa and Washington. In March, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum, later doubling the levy to 50 per cent in June. The tariff hike has placed substantial pressure on Canadian operations and contributed to uncertainty across the industrial sector.
Diplomatic tensions worsened after Trump abruptly halted all trade discussions with Canada, expressing displeasure over an Ontario government advertisement targeting U.S. audiences, which used quotes from former U.S. President Ronald Reagan to criticize the tariffs. Trump claimed Prime Minister Carney later apologized to him over the ad.
Despite this, Prime Minister Carney acknowledged earlier this month that trade talks with the United States have not yet been “revived.”
The measures to be announced on Wednesday are expected to provide short-term relief while laying a framework to strengthen the long-term resilience and competitiveness of Canada’s critical industrial sectors.
