The Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities says there is a lot to like with new federal measures to support Canada’s steel and softwood lumber industries.
Among other things, the federal plan includes strengthened protections for domestic producers, expanded financial supports for companies facing liquidity pressures and new incentives to increase the use of Canadian steel and lumber in national infrastructure and housing projects.
FONOM says they will help stabilize industries critical to many Northern Ontario communities.
“These measures acknowledge what Northern Ontario has long understood — that our steel and lumber sectors are national economic pillars,” says Dave Plourde, FONOM President. “U.S. tariffs continue to destabilize communities across the North, and today’s announcement provides needed tools to help our workers and industries adapt, compete, and grow.”
FONOM also says reducing interprovincial freight rates by 50% cent for steel and lumber shipments beginning next spring will help Northern producers access new domestic markets.
The northern municipal group says it has long advocated for procurement policies that support Canadian jobs and supply chains and welcomes Ottawa advancing the Buy Canadian Policy.
It’ll ensure major defence, construction, and infrastructure projects prioritize Canadian steel, aluminum and wood products.
