Overview
- Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland closed the Sept. 2 summit in Hamilton after bringing together rail, marine, steel and aluminum leaders along with provincial, territorial and federal partners and unions.
- Freeland said participants agreed that ferries and trains should use as much Canadian‑made steel and aluminum as possible.
- The government pointed to the One Canadian Economy Act as removing interprovincial barriers and helping fast‑track transportation infrastructure.
- Industry representatives called for investments in skilled trades, naval architects and engineers and said domestic shipbuilding is not currently price‑competitive, a tension underscored by BC Ferries turning to Chinese yards.
- Trade pressures shaped the discussions, with a 50% U.S. tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum, partial Canadian retaliatory duties still in place, Ontario Premier Doug Ford criticizing U.S. moves, and a new three‑year, $450 million federal program announced in August to help firms navigate trade challenges.