Rebel News Podcast Summary

Episode: EZRA LEVANT | Two crazy facts about the Algoma steel fiasco I didn’t know until just today
Date: December 4, 2025
Host: Ezra Levant

Overview

In this episode of The Ezra Levant Show, Ezra Levant dissects the recent controversy surrounding Algoma Steel, which accepted nearly $500 million in government funds just weeks prior to announcing the layoff of 1,000 workers. Levant claims to reveal two "crazy" facts he learned about the fiasco: that both the federal and Ontario governments were aware of the imminent layoffs at the time the funds were given, and that no conditions were attached to prevent such layoffs. The episode is also interspersed with Levant's criticism of government priorities, perceived media complicity, union reactions, and a discussion about violent attacks on Rebel News journalists in Montreal. The episode closes with Levant reading and responding to listener comments.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Algoma Steel’s Layoffs and Government Loans

• $500M in Government Loans: Ezra details how Algoma Steel received $400 million from the federal government and $100 million from Ontario just weeks before laying off 1,000 workers ([01:17-01:49]).
• Awareness of Layoffs: The host reveals that both the Liberal federal government and Ontario Premier Doug Ford knew about the planned layoffs before agreeing to the massive financial support.
  • Quote: "Ontario Premier Doug Ford acknowledged that his government was aware that massive layoffs at Algoma Steel were imminent well before the province agreed to loan the company $100 million..." ([03:43])
• No Strings Attached: Levant emphasizes the lack of government-imposed conditions requiring Algoma Steel to retain its workforce after receiving public money.

2. Government and Media Response

• Media Complicity: Levant reads sections from a CBC article, critiquing its justification for the funding by framing it as necessary for environmental improvements, and accuses media outlets like the CBC and Globe and Mail of government cheerleading ([05:20-07:59]).
  • Quote (mocking tone): “I don't know if that was written at the CBC or if it was written by someone at Algoma, or if it was written by the Liberal Party of Canada, but really all three have merged these days, haven't they?” ([06:32])
• Environmental Rationalization: Government and expert voices in the media claim the funding’s primary goal is to accelerate a transition to lower-emissions steelmaking, arguing for its necessity against international tariffs and in pursuit of Net Zero goals ([07:59-09:00]).
• Skepticism of Climate Incentives: Levant is openly skeptical that such environmental ambitions justify mass layoffs or immense government expenditure:
  • “If that's your primary goal, ahead of jobs, ahead of a successful business, you can actually do that for free. You know, just shut down the factory and then you have zero emissions.” ([07:20])

3. Industry Perspectives and Union Criticism

• CEO Admission: Algoma’s CEO, Mike Garcia, is quoted emphasizing that the government would have been fully aware of company plans and under “extreme pressure” ([02:38-03:09]).
  • Quote: “I don't think anybody would loan the company half a billion dollars without asking very detailed questions about what our business plan was.” ([02:38])
• Union Reaction: A union representative laments the absence of job-protection conditions in the funding, urging the government to put “common sense” before signing off taxpayer support ([09:02-09:32]).
  • Quote: “We're not asking them to find us jobs. But what we do want is for them to attach conditions to funding that says common sense needs to prevail and the workers need to be considered.” ([09:17])
• Environmental "Spin": Levant is highly critical of the assertion that green steel production constitutes a genuine competitive advantage, noting that market forces globally (like tariffs) do not incentivize buyers based on emissions ([11:12-11:59]).

4. Corporate Leadership and Rewards

• CEO Exit and Compensation: Levant highlights that CEO Mike Garcia is being lauded in the press as “Corporate Citizen of the Year,” earned $5.6 million last year, and is leaving Algoma after securing government money and implementing layoffs ([12:05-13:35]).
  • Quote: “Take the 5.6 million, lay off a thousand men, and then get out of town. He's literally planning on leaving the town. It must be nice.” ([13:22])

5. Media Safety & Montreal Incident

• Attack on Rebel News Staff: The episode shifts at [14:37] to coverage of an attack against Rebel News correspondents Alexa Lavoie and Guillaume Roy at a demonstration in Montreal.
  • Guillaume describes being sneak-attacked and injured, requiring hospital stitches ([17:03-22:09]).
  • Police Response: Lavoie and Roy recount mixed experiences with Montreal police, culminating in an arrest but express concern about legal follow-through ([23:38-25:35]).
• **Host Emphasizes Security : Levant discusses why additional security is needed for Rebel News journalists, citing the incident as evidence and calling for more support from the audience ([26:09-28:21]).
• Journalistic Resolve: Despite the dangers and unsatisfying legal response to past assaults, both reporters vow to continue their work ([30:33]).
  • Quote: “Oh, we will never stop, you know, whatever the cost. ... I'm not going to let them win because it's exactly what they want. They want us to stop exposing them, but we will never stop.” – Alexa Lavoie ([30:33])

6. Audience Reactions and Final Thoughts

• Listener Mail: Levant reads and comments on letters from listeners, mostly expressing skepticism regarding the government's motives and environmental claims, as well as frustration with political accountability ([32:50-33:57]).
  • Quote: “Carney has a long term plan. He hedged on Canada going bankruptcy, therefore allowing himself to profit off another country he doomed.” – Listener "Rory Zettler" ([33:57])
• Host’s Conclusion: Levant reiterates his position on government waste, media corruption, and the need for ongoing vigilance and audience support.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• "The government knew, which is why they're not criticizing Algoma for pocketing half a billion." – Ezra Levant, [03:09]
• "The Titanic was sinking." – Paraphrased from Doug Ford via reporter, [03:54]
• "Hey guys, we burned through a billion dollars. 1,000 men have been laid off. Hey, but did you know that we cut some greenhouse gas emissions for a billion dollars worth of cash?" – Ezra Levant, [07:10]
• "We're not asking them to find us jobs. But what we do want is for them to attach conditions to funding that says common sense needs to prevail and the workers need to be considered." – Union rep, [09:17]
• "A thousand fewer workers, but hey, guys, this is… The steel will have a smaller carbon footprint and that's totally going to be a competitive advantage..." – Ezra Levant, [11:12]
• "Corporate Citizen of the Year... He's certainly not employer of the year. A thousand laid off men would argue differently." – Ezra Levant, [12:44]
• “We are the army of truth, trying to get the facts. And you paid a physical price for that. To me, that is worthy of our gratitude and our admiration.” – Ezra Levant, to Guillaume, [27:19]
• "Oh, we will never stop, you know, whatever the cost... I'm not going to let them win because it's exactly what they want. They want us to stop exposing them, but we will never stop." – Alexa Lavoie, [30:33]

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Government & Algoma Steel: Arguments & Admissions: [01:17-14:37]
• Montreal Protest & Journalist Assault Story: [14:37-32:33]
• Listener Mail & Closing Thoughts: [32:50-end]

Tone & Style

The episode retains Ezra Levant’s signature combative, sarcastic, and skeptical tone, mixing detailed exposition with pointed humor, mockery, frustration, and direct calls to action for his audience.

Summary for Non-Listeners

This episode delivers a critical, detailed account of the Algoma Steel affair, lambasting both Liberal and Conservative politicians for granting massive subsidies despite knowing about pending layoffs; assails media and academic narratives justifying these government priorities on environmental grounds; showcases union frustration with the lack of worker protections; and highlights an incident of physical violence against Rebel News journalists in Montreal, linking it to broader concerns about freedom of the press and public safety. Levant wraps with fiery responses to audience correspondence and a rallying call to maintain vigilance and support for independent media.