Episode Overview

Podcast: Rebel News Podcast
Host: Ezra Levant
Episode Title: Steelworkers unite behind the pipeline vision Canada’s politicians keep ignoring
Date: December 11, 2025

In this episode, Ezra Levant travels to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, to visit the Algoma Steel mill amidst sweeping layoffs precipitated by US steel tariffs and explores the local steelworkers’ strong support for using Canadian steel—specifically from Algoma—in domestic pipeline projects. The episode features direct conversations with the workers, reflections on political decisions affecting the industry, and a special field report on a recent incident at a Christmas market in Guadeloupe.

Main Theme & Purpose

Ezra Levant highlights the challenges facing Canadian steelworkers due to international tariffs and government policy, and argues for a pro-steel, pro-pipeline approach as a realistic solution to industry woes. The episode centers on giving voice to steelworkers’ perspectives, challenging government handouts in favor of practical projects, and counters misinformation around recent international incidents.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context: Steel Industry in Crisis (00:00–04:55)

• US Tariffs and Algoma’s Struggles:
  Ezra opens by laying out the crisis:

  • Algoma Steel (Sault Ste. Marie) has faced devastating layoffs—roughly half the company’s workforce (1,000 laid off).
  • Donald Trump’s administration has ramped up tariffs on Canadian steel from 25% to 50%.
  • Despite $500 million in combined provincial and federal government support, the mill's situation remains dire.

• Pipeline Projects as a Solution:

  • Ezra underscores the connection: “Pipelines are made of steel. Algoma makes steel. It seems like a natural fit.” ([00:38])
  • He references major canceled pipeline projects (Northern Gateway, Energy East, Keystone XL) that could have supplied real, private-sector demand for Canadian steel.

• Critique of Subsidies:

  • “What if we came up with a real bona fide project paid for by the private sector that uses steel?... Those [government] giveaways never work, and they certainly never last.” ([03:48])

2. Steelworkers Speak: Interviews at the Algoma Mill (05:22–13:00)

Ezra and crew arrive at the mill with a billboard truck ("Build steel pipelines"), speaking to workers arriving early in the morning:

• Worker Reactions – Strong Support:

  • “That's great for the community, for Sault Ste. Marie, for Algoma. I love it.” ([06:21], anonymous worker)
  • “Considering steel's not really selling in the States right now, it's a good idea.”
  • “I absolutely agree. I think that's a good idea. Pipelines are made of steel. Algoma makes steel. It seems like a natural fit.” ([07:02])
  • “I just love Canadian steel.” ([07:08])
  • “If you had one message for Alberta, what would you say about oil pipelines and steel? I think go for it 100%. It will help Alberta and help the rest of the country.” ([08:34])

• On Politics and Reality:

  • “Trump cannot put a tariff on a Canadian project.” ([07:45])
  • Only one person disagreed, but even that disagreement centered on disliking Rebel News, not the pipeline idea.

• Ezra's Observation:
  “About 80% of the cars stopped to talk to me... 90%... liked our idea.” ([09:30])

3. A Skeptic’s Interlude: “You’re just politicizing this” (13:00–15:17)

• Criticism from a Worker:

  • Worker: “You're putting on a show that's despicable... your organization... be a decent journalist... The reason for the layoffs, trashing the CEO's motives, making conspiracies about the liberals, and, like, none of this is based in reality.” ([13:49–14:51])
  • However, even he concedes: “If we can get orders for a pipeline, that's great.”
  • Ezra responds by maintaining his pro-steel stance and explaining his critique of the CEO taking multimillion-dollar compensation while overseeing mass layoffs.

• Ezra’s Philosophical Stance:

  • “I'm a free market guy by nature and I'm not against wealth. When the CEO makes 5.6 million bucks but lays off 1000 workers, I'm going to criticize it.” ([15:03])

4. Tensions with Algoma Security and Police (15:18–18:52)

• Interaction with Security:

  • Security rebuffs Ezra: “You're on private property here.”
  • Ezra replies, “We've got a very pro steel message here.” ([16:28–16:35])
  • Security asks them to relocate and later calls the police, resulting in a measured, somewhat humorous back-and-forth ("Only three cruisers. I feel like I'm not important. I'm joking." — Ezra, [18:55]).

• Corporate Contradictions:

  • Ezra notes: “The corporation wants the public to give it money, but it doesn't want the public... to ask questions. I think you gotta pick a lane.” ([18:38])
  • He points out the paradox of seeking public funds while shunning public scrutiny.

5. Ezra’s Advocacy: Petition and Call to Action (19:10–20:10)

• Ezra’s Core Argument:
  “The only way to make [the mill] sustainable is by having real customers, not by asking for more handouts from Mark Carney or Doug Ford. That's why we're here. And so far the steelworkers agree.” ([19:36])

• Petition:

  • Promotes the petition at buildsteelpipelines.com, emphasizing this isn’t a left/right issue but about real Canadian jobs. ([20:04])

6. Special Report: Guadeloupe Christmas Market Incident (16:15–33:37)

Alex Alaboir (Rebel News Montreal) reports from Sainte Anne, Guadeloupe:

• Incident Facts:

  • On Dec 5th, a 45-year-old intoxicated man lost control of his car and crashed into a Christmas market, injuring 19.
  • “The possibility of a terrorist attack is widely dismissed. Locals described the incident as a serious accident linked to the driver's impairs condition.” ([17:09])
  • Contradicts rumors and viral misinformation (no deaths; not a terrorist act).

• Terror Alert Context:

  • France’s Interior Minister recently instructed beefed-up Christmas market security nationwide due to terror fears—a reminder of previous attacks in Europe (Nice, etc.).
  • Here, security was not notably heightened and rumors spread rapidly online—Elon Musk even shared a false claim that “10 people had died.” ([20:58])

• Fact-Checking and Media Skepticism:

  • “It was impossible to dismiss beyond all doubt the possibility of a terrorist attack in the immediate aftermath… This is also why the rumor claiming 10 people had died went viral...” ([21:33], [20:58])

• Commitment to On-the-Ground Reporting:

  • “We are traveling on a tight budget because we believe we have to come here to verify the facts. We are here to follow the facts and to bring you the other side of the story.” ([33:04])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ezra Levant (on pipeline/steel connection):

  • “Pipelines are made of steel. Algoma makes steel. It seems like a natural fit.” ([00:38])

• Steelworker Support:

  • “If we could get an oil pipeline from Alberta to BC, we could use Algoma Steel. What do you think of that?” Anonymous worker: “That's a perfect idea. That's great for the community, for Sault Ste. Marie, for Algoma. I love it.” ([06:21])

• Skeptic on Rebel News:

  • “You're putting on a show that's despicable… The reason for the layoffs, trashing the CEO's motives, making conspiracies about the liberals… none of this is based in reality.” ([13:49–14:51])

• Ezra’s Principle:

  • “The only way to keep these jobs is with real customers, not handouts.” ([19:41])

• Fact-Checking Rumor Outbreaks:

  • Alex Alaboir: “Today we are bringing you the facts. Ironically, the tragic event… happened right here, just in front of the police station.” ([22:12])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–04:55: Opening, Algoma context, problem with tariffs & subsidies
• 05:22–13:00: Steelworker interviews, strong support for pipelines
• 13:00–15:17: Interaction with dissenting worker, criticism of media coverage
• 15:18–18:52: Security confrontations; police called
• 19:10–20:10: Ezra’s on-site reflection and petition plug
• 16:15–33:37: Guadeloupe incident report, mythbusting, on-site interviews
• 33:37: Sign-off

Conclusion

Ezra Levant’s report from Sault Ste. Marie powerfully underscores how distant government policy and international trade dynamics directly impact the lives of Canadian steelworkers. The resounding takeaway: steelworkers overwhelmingly want practical, private-sector projects (like pipelines) that use Canadian steel—eschewing both tariffs and government handouts. The episode also exemplifies Rebel News’ commitment to field reporting and counteracting misinformation, as highlighted by the Guadeloupe segment.

Final words:
"The only way to keep these jobs is with real customers, not handouts." — Ezra Levant ([19:41])