National

Ottawa talking to metals giant Rio Tinto about cash flow help amid U.S. tariffs

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Jul, 2025 09:45 AM

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly says the federal government is talking to mining and metals giant Rio Tinto about helping the company with cash flow problems caused by the United States' global steel and aluminum tariffs.

During a visit to Saguenay, Que., on Thursday to meet with businesses in the province's critical aluminum sector, Joly told reporters Ottawa had started talks with the firm earlier this week.

U.S. President Donald Trump last month doubled his administration's global tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50 per cent.

Prime Minster Mark Carney said Canada will deliver its response to that latest volley in the trade war on July 21, based on how talks between the nations are proceeding by that time.

Rio Tinto says it employs some 4,000 people in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region and has plans to build a new $1.4-billion aluminum smelter in the area.

Quebec Premier François Legault is also set to announce support for the province's aluminum sector this afternoon.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Patrick Doyle

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Interest in ‘elbows up’ merchandise waning ahead of Canada Day, businesses say

Demand for items bearing Canada's rallying cry against U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and annexation threats was so high that Coe launched a website to keep up with the surge.

Interest in ‘elbows up’ merchandise waning ahead of Canada Day, businesses say

Large fire consumes Surrey, B.C., e-bike store, requires 36 firefighters

Mike McNamara, assistant chief of operations with the Surrey Fire Department, said it's part of a growing number of difficult-to-extinguish fires that erupt when e-bike batteries burn.

Large fire consumes Surrey, B.C., e-bike store, requires 36 firefighters

Here's how provinces are trying to remove Canada's internal trade barriers

Here's a look at some trade agreements, legislation and proposals among provinces and territories that are in addition to the New West Partnership between the four Western provinces that has been in place in some form since 2010.

Here's how provinces are trying to remove Canada's internal trade barriers

From lacrosse myths to kilts: 5 things you may not know about Canadian symbols

If the bill passes, the brand will become Canada's 10th national symbol — joining O Canada, the coat of arms and the maple tree.

From lacrosse myths to kilts: 5 things you may not know about Canadian symbols

Retiring government rep Marc Gold calls Senate 'greatest privilege' of his life

Gold reaches the Senate's mandatory retirement age of 75 on Monday.

Retiring government rep Marc Gold calls Senate 'greatest privilege' of his life

Is Canada now free of internal trade barriers? Read the fine print

Throughout the spring federal election campaign, Liberal Leader Mark Carney repeatedly vowed to "eliminate" interprovincial trade barriers and create "free trade by Canada Day."