The first plates of made-in-Sault Ste. Marie steel were produced today at Algoma Steel — marking the beginning of construction preparations for Canada’s newest icebreaking vessel
A major milestone was reached this week in Canada’s domestic shipbuilding efforts as the initial plates of locally-sourced steel were rolled out at Algoma Steel for use in the upcoming Polar Max icebreaker.
Representatives from Quebec-based Chantier Davie Canada were in the Sault today as Algoma workers made the first plates for the shipbuilder’s new icebreaker.
Davie ordered the steel for its Polar Max project, two icebreaking vessels commissioned by the federal government to be operated by the Canadian Coast Guard.
As part of the deal, which was in response to tariffs imposed by the U.S., steel for the project was to be sourced from Canadian manufacturers.
Algoma Steel will send a total of 600 net tons of metal plates to Davie for the Polar Max project.
The first steel plates for the order were rolled in Algoma Steel’s plate mill today, with representatives from Davie on hand, as well as George Pirie, Ontario’s minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth.
Pirie said this first shipment of steel from Ontario to Quebec is a promising sign of things to come.
“Two magnificent Canadian companies partnering together — one in Ontario, one in Quebec — I don’t think there’s a better story that could be created.”
Marcel Poulin, vice-president of public affairs for Davie, said the Quebec-based shipbuilder will begin constructing the icebreakers in March, using steel that rolled off the line today.
“Shipbuilding is important, but there’s no ships without steel and what we will be building starts here,” said Poulin during a presentation at Algoma Steel after a tour of the plate mill.
MP Terry Sheehan spoke during the presentation by video from Ottawa.
In his remarks, Sheehan thanked Algoma Steel workers for their part in the process.
“We are rebuilding our military, our Coast Guard and our national ship-building program that will serve the Royal Canadian Navy as well. This is about our sovereignty, in particular, our Arctic sovereignty,” said Sheehan.
Sault MPP Chris Scott, who sits as an independent, was not in attendance, but Algoma–Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg was.
In his remarks, Algoma Steel chief commercial officer Chris Ford commended the higher levels of government for encouraging Buy Canadian and Buy Ontario policies.
“The ambitious Build Canada initiative from our prime minister and the commitment from the premier has opened up many doors and many opportunities for our our domestic market.
“We are positioned well as a partner in the national strategic projects that will strengthen the Canadian supply chains and help secure Canada’s economic sovereignty,” Ford said.
“It’s not what we are capable of, it’s what we are willing to do. That’s what all of these policies are starting — to get us back together as a country.”
Rajat Marwah, CEO of Algoma Steel, who wasn’t in attendance, said the company “is proud to supply Canadian-made steel for programs that matter to Canadians.”
“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,” Marwah said in a news release.