Hamilton will rally behind steel at summit
Some say Hamilton has transitioned away from steel, but that’s not true
Some have argued that the U.S. steel tariffs are about political posturing, or are an act of trade protectionism in the lead-up to the U.S. midterm elections. But for the people of Hamilton, this debate represents something very real, and something very personal. For us, it’s about protecting our jobs, our livelihoods, our local economy and our quality of life.
The steel industry built Canada. It united our country from coast to coast, one rail tie and one community at a time. At the heart of that history is Hamilton. We remain Canada’s “steel city.” We wear that title with pride. We always have. We always will.
Steel was, and remains, a vital component of our economy. More than 10,000 people are directly employed by the major steel companies in our city. These jobs are primarily with ArcelorMittal Dofasco, Stelco and National Steel Car. But steel’s impact is broader than just that. According to the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, another 40,000 people are employed in spinoff jobs. We also know that thousands of pensioners rely on the continued success of the steel industry in our city.
These Hamiltonians pay taxes and support local businesses. They give to charities. They support their families. They contribute to our community in countless ways. As a city, we owe it to them to stand up for the industry that supports them, and that allows them to support us.
The steel companies themselves are also a vital and integral part of our economy. A handful of steel companies contributed approximately $16.5 million in taxes to the city last year — nearly 30 per cent of the total industrial contribution. These are the taxes that build our roads, pay our police, paramedics and firefighters, support our social programs, and maintain our parks and recreation facilities, to name just a few services.
The steel industry contributes in many other ways as well. Over the past 30 years, ArcelorMittal Dofasco (and the former Dofasco) donated nearly $9 million to local arts organizations. The industry’s employees volunteer and support numerous local charities.
While some may say that Hamilton has transitioned away from the steel industry, this is not true. The steel industry remains a major contributor to our city today, and will continue to be critical to our success in the future. Earlier this year, a new Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster initiative was announced for this region. The steel industry is central to new research and commercialization of advanced manufacturing processes. The Supercluster is part of the federal government’s initiative to bring together networks of small, medium and large-sized companies, not-for-profit organizations and academic institutions to generate economic growth and job creation. The steel industry in Hamilton will be pivotal to its success.
Hamilton has progressed in many ways. We have one of the most diversified economies in the country. Our agricultural and agribusiness sector produces roughly $1 billion in economic value every year. Our port is the largest and busiest on the Canadian Great Lakes. Hamilton International Airport was the fastest growing airport in 2017 and is Canada’s largest overnight express cargo airport. Our arts and culture sector is among the most talented and successful anywhere in the world. Our food scene, and the restaurateurs behind it, are making headlines across Canada. Our downtown is undergoing a renaissance. Our population is growing, with millennials now outnumbering baby boomers.
While we are on this path of positive change and revitalization, we will not forget those who built this city and moreover, this country. The City of Hamilton stands up for the rights and the quality of life of Hamilton steel workers, pensioners and their families.
We stand united. We are Hamilton. We are steel.
Jason Thorne is general manager of planning and economic development, and Brian McMullen is acting general manager of finance and corporate services for the City of Hamilton.
The City of Hamilton will host a Summit on the Steel Industry on September 7 at Hamilton City Hall. For information and to attend, see www.hamilton.ca/hamiltonsteelsummit