Ontario steel shipped for Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker project

Ontario is marking a milestone in domestic manufacturing as Algoma Steel ships the first plates of Ontario-made steel to Quebec for use in a new Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker.

The province says about 600 net tons of steel plate produced by Algoma Steel will be sent to Davie shipyard for construction of the Polar Max vessel.

Ontario’s Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, George Pirie, joined company representatives to mark the shipment, which the province says supports efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains and counter U.S. tariffs.

“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 Pirie. “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 says it produces more than 70 per cent of Canada’s steel and the sector supports more than 16,000 direct jobs and 55,000 indirect jobs.

Algoma Steel chief executive officer Rajat Marwah said the project supports Canadian industry and jobs.

“Algoma Steel is proud to supply Canadian-made steel for programs that matter to Canadians,” said Marwah. “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.”

The Ontario government says it continues to support the steel sector through targeted programs and procurement policies, including the Buy Ontario Act, aimed at strengthening supply chains and boosting investment.