Story perspectives

Ottawa Unveils $1.5B Steel, Aluminum Relief, Skips Lumber

5/5/2026

Summary

Eby Demands Lumber Relief

The federal government announced a $1.5 billion relief package for steel, aluminum and copper, excluding soft-wood lumber.
Premier David Eby said soft-wood lumber employs more Canadians than the steel and auto-parts sectors combined.
Eby pledged to keep pressing Ottawa to prioritize soft-wood lumber in trade negotiations.
Minister Melanie Joly said the relief measures vary because the United States imposes a 50 percent tariff on Canadian steel, aluminum and certain copper products.

Summary

**Steel Lobby Demands**

Industry groups warn that preferential BDC loans could deepen debt for firms and ask for a temporary repayment pause until tariffs are lifted.
The Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Quebec demands reinstatement of steel tariff rebates and extension of aluminum rebate provisions beyond June 30.
The Canadian Steel Producers Association welcomes the aid but urges higher protective tariffs on imported steel.

History

Historical Context

After the Bush administration imposed a 30 % Section 201 steel tariff on Canada in March 2002—prompting a WTO ruling in November 2003 and a December withdrawal—the United States again lifted similar duties in May 2019 as part of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Today, Ottawa’s $1.5 billion relief package, negotiated by Premier David Eby and Minister Melanie Joly, echoes that earlier shock and fuels ongoing disputes over steel, aluminum and lumber exemptions.

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Eby Demands Lumber Relief

The federal government announced a $1.5 billion relief package for steel, aluminum and copper, excluding soft-wood lumber.
Premier David Eby said soft-wood lumber employs more Canadians than the steel and auto-parts sectors combined.
Eby pledged to keep pressing Ottawa to prioritize soft-wood lumber in trade negotiations.
Minister Melanie Joly said the relief measures vary because the United States imposes a 50 percent tariff on Canadian steel, aluminum and certain copper products.

1 / 3