Sault backs funding for centre supporting laid off workers from Algoma Steel

Sault mayor urges the province to fund the job-retraining centre for laid-off Algoma Steel workers, citing skilled trades demand & regional GDP concerns.

Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Matthew Shoemaker is calling on the province to provide ongoing support for the city’s POWER Action Centre, which is helping former Algoma Steel workers prepare for a new career.

Shoemaker sent an open letter to David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, in support of a new funding request from officials at the centre.

“The workers turning to the POWER Action Centre are facing the direct impacts of Algoma Steel’s shift to electric arc steelmaking … combined with the added pressure created by steel tariffs,” the letter said.

“These workers deserve a timely response proportionate to that reality.”

Impacted by U.S. tariffs

Around 1,000 people were laid off in March in the Sault after the steelmaker had to accelerate its transition to electric arc steelmaking in the face of 50 per cent tariffs from the U.S.

Algoma is the city’s largest employer and steel manufacturing accounts for about 60 per cent of manufacturing jobs in the region.

“Manufacturing overall is the single largest contributor to the regional GDP, accounting for approximately $736 million in economic activity and 13.2 per cent of total output,” Shoemaker said in the letter.

While there is demand for skilled tradespeople, workers need support to transition to new industries.

“Furnace operators, for example, share more than 90 per cent similarity in skills, technology, and job requirements with machine operators in mineral and metal processing,” Shoemaker said.

“The opportunities exist, but workers need help connecting their ey there is a shortage of 118,000 skilled trade workers between now and 2024, with many links between laid off Algoma workers.

“What many need now is practical guidance, support from people who understand what they are going through, and help accessing retraining opportunities,” the letter said.

“The POWER Action Centre is designed to provide that support in a practical and approachable way ... Throughout its history, Sault Ste. Marie has repeatedly adapted to economic change and industrial transition. With the right supports in place, its workers will do so again.”

Read the full letter here.