The POWER centre officially opens Dec. 15 at 68 Dennis Street but workers are asked to complete the online form first.

Published Dec 10, 2025 • Last updated 17 minutes ago • 2 minute read

The United Steelworkers Union and the Canadian Skills Training and Employment Coalition (CSTEC) have launched a POWER action centre to assist workers affected by Algoma Steel layoffs.

Algoma Steel employees who have received layoff notices will now have a place to explore their options.

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The United Steelworkers Union and the Canadian Skills Training and Employment Coalition (CSTEC) have launched a POWER action centre to assist workers affected by Algoma Steel layoffs.

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The program, which received a $1 million grant by the Ontario government, will officially ramp up Dec. 15 at the union office at 68 Dennis Street.

Ken Delaney, executive director of CSTEC, told The Sault Star that a committee has been charged with examining local labour market information and various government grant programs that resulted in funding for the on-site, peer-driven support program.

“These layoff notices are traumatic for many of these employees, and this will help them explore their options and come up with a personal plan,” he said.

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The Steelworker POWER action Centre will provide services that include job search assistance and resume writing, and information on short-term training like micro credential programs, long-term options like apprenticeships and retooling and guidance on employment insurance and training eligibility, along with referrals to community agencies where appropriate.

It will also help individuals navigate Employment Insurance, explore early retirement options, and provide information on collective agreements, recall rights, bumping options, and severance.

“The staff will work with the individual to develop an individual plan and help steer them down the path that the individual has chosen,” Delaney said.

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Outreach has also been made to other sectors like the mining community to determine skilled trade needs and plans are underway to host job fairs in the new year.

“We are creating a safe place where affected individuals can come to talk,” he said.

Algoma Steel has already issued a link through its email chain to employees to sign up for requested services. About 140 individuals have already done so, Delaney said.

“Some of these future decisions will be very challenging to some and we want to provide some assistance and provide them with the information they need to make the right decision for them,” he said.

The office will start ramping up operations locally on Dec. 15, with the intention of being fully operational in January.

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The online intake form simply asks individuals for their basic information and what specific information, if any, they are seeking.

Delaney said it would be best if individuals complete the online form first while the office is setting up.

“”Steelworkers stand together in moments of uncertainty. When workers visit the Steelworker POWER Action Centre, they will meet peers who understand the stress and trauma of sudden job loss. The Centre will ensure Steelworkers in Sault Ste. Marie receive the support, training and pathways needed to rebuild and move forward,” said Kevon Stewart, Director of United Steelworkers District 6.

CSTEC has more than 40 years of experience supporting industrial workers affected by plant closures, downsizing and labour-market disruption. As a long-time partner of the steelworkers, CSTEC has helped thousands of workers navigate layoffs, access retraining, transition to skilled trades and secure new employment.

Impacted workers can register for assistance at: https://cstec.socialsolutionsconnect.ca/apricot-intake/83c0a65c-aee7-4b1f-90a2-bdcaa900d777

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