Canada’s involvement in the primary aluminium industry dates back to 1901, when the Northern Aluminum Company (now referred to as Alcan), established its first smelter in Shawinigan, Québec. Today, Canada is the world’s fourth-largest aluminium producer, with China holding the first position, then India and Russia.
Québec’s aluminium sector to receive federal aid
Québec’s aluminium sector, the backbone of Canada’s production capacity, is poised to receive substantial federal support as it grapples with the ongoing US tariffs. As per the latest news, industry minister Mélanie Joly announced that Québec’s aluminium industry could receive “hundreds of millions of dollars” from a USD 5 billion federal fund designed to support sectors hit by Trump tariffs. Since nearly all of Canada’s aluminium is produced in Québec, the province is expected to be a major beneficiary.