Industry Minister Asks Competition Bureau to Review Stelco Over Potential Competition Act Violations
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly has requested that the Competition Bureau investigate whether Stelco Holdings Inc. violated the Competition Act by closing its Hamilton cold-rolled steel operations, laying off 175 workers, and allegedly raising prices during a period of high demand.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly has asked the Competition Bureau to review whether Stelco Holdings Inc. violated the Competition Act. The request marks an escalation in the ongoing dispute between the steelmaker and the federal government.
In a letter sent on Friday to Competition Commissioner Jeanne Pratt, Joly stated that Stelco raised steel prices by idling its Hamilton operations during a period of high demand. The company closed its cold-rolled steel operations last month, resulting in the layoff of 175 workers.
Stelco operates one of three primary steel mills in Canada. The Competition Bureau will now determine whether the company's actions constitute a potential violation of the Competition Act.