Canadian government creates rebate program for steel moved by rail, water

Yesterday, the Canadian federal government launched a CA$100 million rebate program for the interprovincial transportation of eligible steel products by rail and marine. 

The new Commodities Sectoral Support Program will provide a 50% rebate covering eligible rail or marine transportation costs for Canadian steel moving between provinces and territories. Shippers can apply for rebates as of Aug. 10 and the program will run until summer 2027 or until all available funding is claimed, Transport Canada officials said in a press release. 

The program is part of the government's broader work to strengthen interprovincial trade, reinforce Canadian supply chains and build a more resilient economy, they said. 

Only eligible Canadian steel or steel products moving with a Canadian origin and destination can qualify for the rebate, which applies to interprovincial carload movements for rail shipments and non-containerized cargo for marine shipments. A list of all eligible products is available on the rebate portal. 

"Canadians are looking for more opportunities to buy Canadian products, including Canadian steel. Through this rebate, we're helping businesses strengthen their presence in the domestic market," said Canada Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon.