Algoma Steel Group announces 1,000 employee layoffs & blast furnace closure at its Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario facility, effective March 23, 2026, accelerating its transition to exclusive electric arc furnace production by one year. Company spokeswoman Laura Devoni states unprecedented United States tariffs fundamentally changed competitive dynamics & severely limited American market access, forcing the end of Algoma's long history as integrated steel producer. Canadian Industry Minister Melanie Joly characterizes tariffs as "unjustified," promising government support for affected workers & assistance developing new products & markets. Ontario Trade Minister Vic Fedeli commits to provincial worker support including retraining programs addressing devastating impacts on the northern Ontario city's economy.