Algoma Steel to cease blast furnace operations, lay off 1,000 workers as tariffs bite
Editor’s note: The closing of the blast furnace and coke making operations means there will no longer be a need for raw materials delivered by lake freighter to Algoma. This move does not affect the nearby Export Dock, which mostly services salties.
SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – Reeling from high tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, Algoma Steel confirmed Monday it has issued layoff notices to about 1,000 workers.
The company, based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., employs about 2,700 people. With its major buyers in the United States, the company was hit hard by the 50 per cent tariffs imposed last summer by Trump.
“The North American steel market is highly integrated, and Algoma Steel has been significantly impacted by the unprecedented tariffs imposed by the United States,” Algoma Steel spokesperson Laura Devoni said in an email.
“These tariffs have fundamentally altered the competitive landscape and sharply limited our ability to access the U.S. market. As a result of these pressures, Algoma has been forced to conclude its long history as an integrated steel manufacturer and close its blast furnace and coke-making operations in early 2026.”
Devoni said the tariffs are forcing the company to transition to its Electric Arc Furnace steelmaking a year earlier than previously planned.
“As part of the closure of its blast furnace and coke making operations, Algoma has made the difficult decision to issue approximately 1,000 layoff notices today, effective in 16 weeks on March 23, 2026,” she said.
“This transition is necessary to protect Algoma’s future in the face of these extraordinary and external market forces, and we will continue to advocate for a competitive and fair trading environment for Canadian steel.”
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Christmas Tree Ship: Historically-inspired holiday
tradition returns to National Museum of the Great Lakes
TOLEDO, Ohio — The National Museum of the Great Lakes is holding its annual Christmas Tree Ship event, a tradition with historic roots and an emphasis on giving during the holiday season.
The event encourages the public to purchase a live 5 to 7 foot Christmas Tree for themselves or to donate one to a community member in need. The trees are sourced from Matthes Tree Farm in Ida, Michigan. They can be pre-purchased through Sunday, Nov. 30 at 1 p.m., according to a press release from the museum. Trees are $80 each.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, the public can watch Santa Claus arrive on a tugboat filled with Christmas trees for families.
The event, which is centered around the giving season, also invited the public to purchase gift card donations for the museum to distribute to local organizations, including the East Toledo Family Center, Family House, Lucas County Children Services and Sylvania Area Family Services.
Also partnering with NMGL in the project are presenters UToledo Health and the Port of Museum. The former’s help will ensure every tree or gift card donation will include a health hygiene kit for families in need, NMGL said.
The event will coincide with free museum admission and include a variety of family holiday events, such as the East Toledo Holiday Parade and a Meet and Greet with Santa.
The event takes its inspiration from the historic schooner “Rouse Simmons,” which was known as the original Christmas Tree ship. Rouse Simmons sank on Nov. 23, 1912 while carrying a load of Christmas trees to Chicago. Its captain was well-known for giving trees to families in need, NMGL said on its website.
Those who are interested in learning more about receiving a donated tree should call United Way at 211.
For more information, or to purchase a Christmas tree, click here: https://nmgl.org/event/christmas-tree-ship25/
