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Algoma Steel Announces Over 1,000 Layoffs Amid Tariffs and Transition

  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.  Algoma Steel, a major employer in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, has confirmed plans to lay off more than 1,000 workers in the coming months. The company issued 1,050 layoff notices as part of its decision to shut down its blast furnace and coke oven operations, accelerating its transition to electric arc furnace (EAF) technology. The layoffs, expected to take effect by March 23, 2026 , come as Algoma faces mounting financial pressures. The company reported nearly half a billion dollars in losses last quarter and cited “unprecedented tariffs” imposed by the United States as a key factor in reshaping its competitive landscape. Union leaders from United Steelworkers Locals 2724 and 2251 confirmed the layoffs, noting that while the workforce had anticipated job reductions tied to the EAF transition, the U.S. tariffs accelerated ...

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Federal Government Expands Early Retirement Eligibility for Front-Line Workers

 

The Canadian federal government is taking steps to broaden early retirement eligibility for specific front-line workers. Treasury Board President Anita Anand has announced plans to introduce legislation this fall to facilitate this change. Here are the key points:

  1. Eligibility Expansion: The proposed changes will allow certain front-line workers to retire after 25 years of service without a pension reduction. Currently, this provision is available to military members, RCMP officers, and some correctional workers. The expansion will include federally employed border service officers, parliamentary protection officers, search and rescue technicians, and firefighters. Additionally, correctional employees, firefighters, and paramedics employed by territorial governments will now be eligible for early retirement.

  2. Recognition of Demanding Roles: Treasury Board President Anita Anand emphasized that these changes aim to recognize the demanding nature of day-to-day duties for these occupational groups. These workers play a critical role in promoting and protecting the safety and security of Canadians.

  3. Positive Impact: The Public Service Alliance of Canada hailed this decision as a “significant victory,” benefiting thousands of front-line public-safety and law enforcement workers.

In summary, the federal government’s move to expand early retirement eligibility acknowledges the contributions and challenges faced by front-line safety and security workers, ensuring consistency across occupational groups.


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