Steelworker goes viral after telling off Justin Trudeau in Sault Ste. Marie: ‘We won’t see you around in another year’

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Published Sep 02, 2024  •  3 minute read

Justin Trudeau got an earful from a steelworker during a photo-op in Sault Ste. Marie. Photo by The Canadian Press

An Algoma steelworker is going viral after he told Prime Minister Justin Trudeau exactly what he thinks of him as the Liberal leader tried to drum up support during a stop in Sault Ste. Marie.

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Trudeau’s visit to the city came following the government’s announcement that it will impose a 25% surtax on Chinese-made steel and aluminum, as well as EVs imported from the communist country.

But when Trudeau tried to boast about his new policies at Algoma Steel, which is one of the city’s largest employers, he was met by one disgruntled employee, who complained about his struggle to make ends meet.

In the footage, which was shot by CTV News on Friday, the unidentified man refused to shake Trudeau’s hand after the prime minister offered up some sweet treats.

“Hey, we got doughnuts over here to thank you for your hard work,” a cheerful Trudeau said.

“Maybe I can bring some home for my kids,” the employee sarcastically replied.

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“The 25% tariffs we just brought in on Chinese steel is going to help you out … that’s going to keep your job,” Trudeau told the man.

“That’s going to help me keep my job? What about the 40% taxes I am paying? And I don’t have a doctor,” the employee of Algoma Steel replied, adding that he has to pay out of pocket for his own dental care as well.

After quickly realizing his visit wasn’t going as smoothly as he’d hoped, Trudeau said a recent investment by the government meant the worker was “going to have a job for many years to come.”

“I think you are only here for another year; we won’t see you around in another year,” the steel plant employee said dismissively, referencing Trudeau’s sagging poll numbers.

“That’s what elections are for,” Trudeau said, trying to bring an end to the awkward banter. “I look forward to everyone exercising the right to vote … We’re going to invest in you in your job.”

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“I don’t believe you for a second,” the man replied. 

But unbowed, Trudeau tried to mount one final comeback by noting a Liberal initiative to help Canadians get dental care. “Do you know anyone who has dental care?” he asked.

“Yeah, I pay for it myself,” the worker fired back. “Every time we go for a dental visit, it costs me about $50 out of pocket, per person. Why? I have a good job. You’re not really doing anything for us, Justin.”

“We just invested, so half-a-million people who haven’t been to the dentist, got to go to the dentist over the past few years,” Trudeau countered.

“Probably like my neighbour, who doesn’t go to work because she’s lazy. She just doesn’t go to work,” the labourer responded, implying that unemployed Canadians get better access to health care than he does.

“You know what? Most Canadians try to stick up for each other, and that’s what we’ve got to keep doing,” a flustered Trudeau said ending the back-and-forth, before trying to shake the man’s hand, which he again refused to do. 

Clearly stunned, the bewildered Trudeau looked around, finally taking solace in his free snacks.

“The other guys got the doughnuts,” Trudeau said. “Excellent.”

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On X, the anti-Trudeau crowd hailed the worker for being “fearless” as he picked apart the politician’s “word salad B.S.”

“He looked him straight in the eye and told em he’s a massive liar and won’t be around much longer. This is exactly what we need right now. Working class men standing up to these tyrants and not backing down,” one person wrote.

“This is like when your manager brings pizza to thank you for coming in on a weekend, except with donuts and (a) corrupt politician,” another added.

On YouTube, where a clip of the tense exchange has racked up over half-a-million views, commenters praised the employee for telling Trudeau off.

“The worker kept calm, didn’t resort to insults, and stated his feelings clearly – well done!” one person wrote, with another calling the worker, who was wearing a Local 2251 T-shirt, “a legend.”

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“Finally a realistic guy putting out normal issues. Trudeau could care less about actual real life for Canadians. He wants to state his talking points on camera, and like most out of touch leaders, he wants you to take your donuts and stop asking questions. Who paid for the donuts?….we did.”

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