Steel Industry Essential to Future Canadian Economy: Expert Study

TORONTO, May 31 /CNW/ - Steelmaking is an increasingly knowledge-intensive industry, requiring a highly skilled workforce and creating the foundation for a productive modern economy, according to a comprehensive study co-sponsored by the United Steelworkers, the Canadian Steel Producers Association and the Canadian Steel Trade and Employment Congress.

The study, by industry expert Dr. Peter Warrian of the Munk Centre for International Studies at the University of Toronto, analyzes the history, evolution and future prospects of Canadian steel.

"From an employment, value-added and environmental perspective, this is an industry Canadians should want in their future," Warrian concludes.

His study describes the existing steel technology cluster of producers, customers and suppliers of material, professional services, logistics and others, with a concentration in Ontario and Quebec and an additional cluster in Western Canada built around the energy and resource sectors.

The study also traces how quickly technology and innovation have been reshaping steel production, including a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in recent years. It also points to aspects of a policy framework needed to ensure that steel can continue to evolve and support a technologically advanced manufacturing economy.

"Anyone who thinks steel is an outdated, sunset industry is not aware of these crucial developments," said Ken Neumann, United Steelworkers (USW) National Director for Canada.

"The Warrian study sheds new light on the present condition and future prospects of steelmaking in Canada. It should be required reading for policymakers and students of the industry alike," said Neumann.

The full report is available at www.canadiansteel.ca.

For further information: Ken Neumann, USW National Director for Canada, [phone]; Bob Gallagher, USW Communications, [phone], [email protected]