Trudeau, steel plant worker have tense exchange during Sault Ste. Marie visit

After meeting with transit workers and local Mayor Matthew Shoemaker on Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continued his visit to Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on Friday.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau canoes with local Indigenous leaders on the Saint Marys River in Sault Ste.-Marie, Ont., Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (Kenneth Armstrong/The Canadian Press)

Trudeau took a canoe trip down the Saint Marys River with Brad Robinson, the co-owner and CEO of Indigenous-led Thrive Tours.

The prime minister was accompanied downriver by the Sault MP Terry Sheehan, the other co-owner of the tour company that provided the canoes, Amanda Cora, Batchewana First Nation Chief Mark McCoy and former chief Dean Sayers.

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Speaking with CTV News on Friday following the excursion, Sheehan said he and Trudeau discussed how the region needs to work together towards Truth and Reconciliation with the local Indigenous leader while on the water.

Sheehan described the discussion on the St. Marys River – a traditional transportation route of the area's First Nation population – as “tremendously important.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau canoes with local Indigenous leaders (L-R) former chief Dean Sayers of Batchewana First Nation, Brad Robinson CEO and owner Thrive Tours and Chief Mark McCoy of Batchewana First Nation on the Saint Marys River in Sault Ste.-Marie, Ont., Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (Kenneth Armstrong/The Canadian Press)

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Following the paddle, Trudeau attended the third photo opportunity of his two-day trip to the Sault at Algoma Steel, one of the city’s largest employers.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Liberal MP for Sault Ste. Marie Terry Sheehan meet with Algoma Steel workers in Sault Ste. Marie on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024 during a shift change. (Supplied/Terry Sheeha)

The prime minister’s visit comes on the heels of the federal government’s announcement that Canada would impose a 25 per cent surtax on Chinese-made steel and aluminum.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Algoma Steel workers in Sault Ste. Marie on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (Kenneth Armstrong/The Canadian Press)

He and Sheehan met with a number of Algoma Steel staff, in a secured portion of the company property, during a shift change, they handed out doughnuts, shook hands and took photos.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his entourage met with a number of steel plant’s employees during a shift change, they shook hands, took photos and handed out doughnuts. (CTV News)

During the meet and greet Trudeau asked many of the staff how long they had been working for the company and how they were doing. The prime minister also asked some of them about their children and families.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Algoma Steel workers in Sault Ste. Marie on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (Kenneth Armstrong/The Canadian Press)

After a worker refused to shake Trudeau’s hand, he asked the employee why he was upset, and the worker said he is struggling to make ends meet despite having a decent job.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unsuccessfully attempts to win over a steelworker during a contentious exchange at a meet and greet with Algoma Steel workers in Sault Ste. Marie on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (Kenneth Armstrong/The Canadian Press)

The prime minister responded by telling the man his government is providing support for him, citing the national dental care program that was recently implemented and the new Chinese steel surtaxes that will protect Algoma Steel and other Canadian jobs.

“The 25 per cent tariffs we just brought in is going to help you out … that’s going to keep your job,” said Trudeau.

“I’m going to invest in you and your job.”

The employee who had just arrived for the start of his shift wearing a Local 2251 t-shirt, responded with defiance to the prime minister’s claims of support amid increased cost of living and the region’s lack of doctors.

“What about the 40 per cent taxes I am paying and I don’t have a doctor,” he said.

The man added he pays for his own dental care.

“I think you are only here for another year, we won’t see you around in another year,” said the steel plant employee.

“That’s what elections are for,” said Trudeau in response, realizing his words were not changing the worker’s mind.

“I look forward to everyone exercising the right to vote.”

The employee finished by saying that the PM and his government are not doing enough then walked away refusing to shake Trudeau's hand for a second time.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shrugs as he unsuccessfully attempts to win over a steelworker during a contentious exchange at a meet and greet with Algoma Steel workers in Sault Ste. Marie on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (Kenneth Armstrong/The Canadian Press)

“I don’t believe you for a second… You're not really doing anything for us Justin,” he said.

“Have a nice day.”

Trudeau wished the man “good luck” and a “good day” as he walked away.

• Watch the full exchange here

CTV News has confirmed the meet and greet occured in an area only accessible to Algoma Steel staff or contractors.

CTVNorthernOntario.ca reached out to United Steelworkers Local 2251 to confirm the man involved in the tense exchange with the prime minister was an active member.

Local union president Mike DaPrat said, in an email on Sunday, that he was not on site during Trudeau's visit to the facility and was unsure of the individual's identity from the video.

However he did say, "presumably wearing one of our t-shirts he was our member."

CTV News has also contacted Algoma Steel for comment on the prime minister's visit, the tense exchange and to confirm the man's current employment status with the company. We have yet to receive a response.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Algoma Steel workers in Sault Ste. Marie on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (Kenneth Armstrong/The Canadian Press)

Sheehan touted the trip as a way for Trudeau to speak firsthand with workers ahead of the Labour Day weekend.

“It's great to be, you know, in Sault Ste. Marie with the prime minister over the last couple of days talking with workers,” he said during his interview Friday.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Liberal MP for Sault Ste. Marie Terry Sheehan met with a number of steel plant’s employees during a shift change, they shook hands, took photos and handed out doughnuts. (Supplied/Terry Sheehan)

Trudeau did not take questions from the media during the photo opportunities or meet and greets, something that may become more common in ridings the Liberals feel may be at risk of falling to the Conservatives next election.

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In addition to the photo opportunities, Trudeau attended a scheduled Liberal fundraising barbecue Thursday evening at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.

With files from journalist CTVNorthernOntario.ca Cory Nordstrom and the Canadian Press