Canada
March 19, 2026
Zekelman dishes out CA$30K to Canadians calling out foreign steel
Written by Laura Miller
Zekelman Industries reported paying out CA$30,000 (~US$21,845) in rewards to Canadians who reported the use of foreign steel in public works projects.
Announced in November, Zekelman established the program to pay CA$1,000 to each person who reports the use of foreign steel in active or future public construction projects. The program’s goal is to raise awareness and support for the country’s Buy Canada initiative.
“Verified submissions ranged from bridges to schools and hospitals to transit centers,” Chicago-based Zekelman reported.
Barry Zekelman, executive chairman and CEO of Zekelman Industries, said the 30 projects identified in five months prove Canadians’ frustrations with the current situation.
“Canadians repeatedly stepped up to help hold government-funded projects accountable and ensure Canadian tax dollars support Canadian workers and manufacturers,” he stated.
The program runs through the end of this month, but Zekelman hopes the momentum gained by shining a light on the problem will continue. “Hopefully this will serve as a wake-up call to Canadian leaders that we won’t stand by quietly while they outsource materials to foreign entities,” he said.
