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Algoma University senate urges reversal of admissions freeze
Algoma University senate urges reversal of admissions freeze

Hamilton Spectator

time19 hours ago

  • Politics
  • Hamilton Spectator

Algoma University senate urges reversal of admissions freeze

Algoma University's senate has voted to overturn the board of governors' decision to pause first-year admissions to geography, history, music, sociology and visual arts, claiming the board acted 'without senate consultation' and breached the school's bicameral governance model. The motion was tabled by OPSEU 685 union vice president and english department head Dr. Alice Ridout. She also spearheaded the union's advocacy event two weeks ago, which condemned the board's decision, and celebrated the contributions of the programs with paused intake. After a slight amendment of language, the motion passed with a clear majority — five senators opposed, including interim president Dr. Donna Rogers. The resolution, which 'objects to the board's failure to respect senate's role,' also calls for admissions to resume 'immediately' and for the departments to be given a full academic year to 'recover' from the fallout of the paused programs. Geography chair Dr. Linda Burnett urged colleagues to keep two principles 'front and centre.' 'I think the main reason for this motion is to make it clear that the board did something it should not have done without consulting the senate, number one, and number two, that the decision to suspend intake be reversed right away,' Burnett said. She argued that first-year application counts alone fail to capture the geography faculty's role in upper-year transfers and cross-disciplinary teaching. Burnett said that geography supplies credits to Algoma's environmental science degree, and delivers a nationally recognized Professional Lands Management Certification Program in partnership with Indigenous communities. Rogers explained that the board's decision relied exclusively on application and acceptance figures pulled on April 28 from the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), which showed 18 students had enrolled across the five programs at that time. 'There is a misunderstanding that the board looked at any full-time-equivalent metrics, whether head count or anything else,' Rogers said. 'They simply looked at the application data.' Faculty members responded, stating that the enrolment snapshot is misleading, for a small, northern institution, whose applicant pool often firms up late-spring once students are rejected from other schools. 'The applicants from OUAC only constitute a percentage of the actual number of students that are on the ground come September 1,' said Dr. Ed Turgeon, music department head. He noted that auditions from May to August often disqualify students from enrolment at their first choice schools, leading them to choose Algoma to upgrade their skills. Pelham Matthews, professor of business and economics, called the April figures 'highly biased,' seconding Turgeon's view that many students keep Algoma as a second or third choice until bigger universities send rejection letters. He also questioned whether Algoma is a northern university with a southern campus, or vice-versa. 'Because whichever we are affects how we do things and how we evaluate programs, and this has to be decided by senate and by administration and the board,' said Matthews. 'What are we?' Sociology chair Dr. Vivian Jiménez Estrada added that her department is essential to decolonization, and that Algoma's northern-service mission requires equitable — not merely equal — provincial funding. 'What we do is critical and on our way to decolonizing the discipline, which is highly colonial in nature,' said Estrada. Towards the end of the discussion, Rogers confirmed that the board leaders have agreed to meet with the Local OPSEU 685 union this week this week. The union has also filed for a judicial review of the board's decision, though the hearing won't be until November. Computer science chair Dr. George Townsend argued that the Senate action is more urgent than court proceedings, which may produce a decision until December. 'I think restoration of the suspended programs is more urgent than that. I know there's processes already in place for the senate. We can vote on this motion and make this happen a lot quicker. And if we don't, then we're going to lose a lot of potential intakes that we could have had,' said Townsend. Ridout added that the university's FAQ page falsely states that the decision was legal. She argued that each side can only make claims, since there has been no precedent set. 'There's no jurisdictional precedent yet set, so we genuinely do not know if this is a legal or illegal decision,' said Ridout. The senate's resolution is advisory; only the board can rescind its own decision. Whether the board reverses course, the courts weigh in, or another resolution is reached, the disagreement between senate and the board has now become a matter of public record. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .

Algoma Steel Releases 2024 Sustainability Report
Algoma Steel Releases 2024 Sustainability Report

Business Upturn

time6 days ago

  • Business
  • Business Upturn

Algoma Steel Releases 2024 Sustainability Report

SAULT STE. MARIE, Ontario, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Algoma Steel Group Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTL; TSX: ASTL) ('Algoma' or 'the Company'), a leading Canadian producer of hot and cold rolled steel sheet and plate products, today announced the release of its 2024 Sustainability Report (the 'Report'), covering a nine-month transition period from April 1 to December 31, 2024. The reporting period aligns with our 2024 financial reporting period, which now corresponds to a calendar year to reflect a consistent approach to our industry peer reporting. Michael Garcia, Algoma's Chief Executive Officer, commented, 'At Algoma, sustainability is not a trend—it's a strategic priority. As we are nearing the completion of our Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) project, we remain focused on operating safely, reliably, and responsibly while delivering high-quality Canadian-made steel. This transformation supports a stronger, low-carbon future for our business, our communities, and Canada's steel industry.' The 2024 Report highlights Algoma's progress across key sustainability areas. The Company advanced enterprise risk management and integrated business planning frameworks strengthening governance, oversight of sustainability performance, and operational reliability. Algoma also reinforced its commitment to workplace safety, inclusion, and community engagement—while making significant strides toward completing Canada's largest industrial decarbonization project. Once operational, the EAF is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 70%, positioning Algoma to be a Canadian producer of green steel. Prepared in alignment with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), the Report underscores Algoma's ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and long-term value creation. The full report is available at Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains 'forward-looking information' under applicable Canadian securities legislation and 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, 'forward-looking statements'), including statements regarding timing of completion of the Company's EAF project and reduction in carbon emissions following completion of the EAF project, Algoma's future as a leading producer of green steel, investment in its people, and processes, and the Company's available liquidity, strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words 'believe,' 'project,' 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'estimate,' 'intend,' 'hope,' 'strategy,' 'future,' 'opportunity,' 'plan,' 'design,' 'pipeline,' 'may,' 'should,' 'will,' 'would,' 'will be,' 'will continue,' 'will likely result,' and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document. Readers should also consider the other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled 'Risk Factors' and 'Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information' in Algoma's Annual Information Form, filed by Algoma with applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities (available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at and with the SEC, as part of Algoma's Annual Report on Form 40-F (available at as well as in Algoma's current reports with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Algoma assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. About Algoma Steel Group Inc. Based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, Algoma is a fully integrated producer of hot and cold rolled steel products including sheet and plate. Driven by a purpose to build better lives and a greener future, Algoma is positioned to deliver responsive, customer-driven product solutions to applications in the automotive, construction, energy, defense, and manufacturing sectors. Algoma is a key supplier of steel products to customers in North America and is the only producer of discrete plate products in Canada. Its state-of-the-art Direct Strip Production Complex ('DSPC') is one of the lowest-cost producers of hot rolled sheet steel ('HRC') in North America. Algoma is on a transformation journey, modernizing its plate mill and adopting electric arc technology that builds on the strong principles of recycling and environmental stewardship to significantly lower carbon emissions. Today Algoma is investing in its people and processes, working safely, as a team to become one of North America's leading producers of green steel. As a founding industry in their community, Algoma is drawing on the best of its rich steelmaking tradition to deliver greater value, offering North America the comfort of a secure steel supply and a sustainable future. For more information, please contact: Michael MoracaVice President – Corporate Development & Treasurer Algoma Steel Group Inc.

Algoma Steel Releases 2024 Sustainability Report
Algoma Steel Releases 2024 Sustainability Report

Yahoo

time6 days ago

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Algoma Steel Releases 2024 Sustainability Report

SAULT STE. MARIE, Ontario, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Algoma Steel Group Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTL; TSX: ASTL) ('Algoma' or 'the Company'), a leading Canadian producer of hot and cold rolled steel sheet and plate products, today announced the release of its 2024 Sustainability Report (the 'Report'), covering a nine-month transition period from April 1 to December 31, 2024. The reporting period aligns with our 2024 financial reporting period, which now corresponds to a calendar year to reflect a consistent approach to our industry peer reporting. Michael Garcia, Algoma's Chief Executive Officer, commented, 'At Algoma, sustainability is not a trend—it's a strategic priority. As we are nearing the completion of our Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) project, we remain focused on operating safely, reliably, and responsibly while delivering high-quality Canadian-made steel. This transformation supports a stronger, low-carbon future for our business, our communities, and Canada's steel industry.' The 2024 Report highlights Algoma's progress across key sustainability areas. The Company advanced enterprise risk management and integrated business planning frameworks strengthening governance, oversight of sustainability performance, and operational reliability. Algoma also reinforced its commitment to workplace safety, inclusion, and community engagement—while making significant strides toward completing Canada's largest industrial decarbonization project. Once operational, the EAF is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 70%, positioning Algoma to be a Canadian producer of green steel. Prepared in alignment with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), the Report underscores Algoma's ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and long-term value creation. The full report is available at Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains 'forward-looking information' under applicable Canadian securities legislation and 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, 'forward-looking statements'), including statements regarding timing of completion of the Company's EAF project and reduction in carbon emissions following completion of the EAF project, Algoma's future as a leading producer of green steel, investment in its people, and processes, and the Company's available liquidity, strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words 'believe,' 'project,' 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'estimate,' 'intend,' 'hope,' 'strategy,' 'future,' 'opportunity,' 'plan,' 'design,' 'pipeline,' 'may,' 'should,' 'will,' 'would,' 'will be,' 'will continue,' 'will likely result,' and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document. Readers should also consider the other risks and uncertainties set forth in the section entitled 'Risk Factors' and 'Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information' in Algoma's Annual Information Form, filed by Algoma with applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities (available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at and with the SEC, as part of Algoma's Annual Report on Form 40-F (available at as well as in Algoma's current reports with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Algoma assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. About Algoma Steel Group Inc. Based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, Algoma is a fully integrated producer of hot and cold rolled steel products including sheet and plate. Driven by a purpose to build better lives and a greener future, Algoma is positioned to deliver responsive, customer-driven product solutions to applications in the automotive, construction, energy, defense, and manufacturing sectors. Algoma is a key supplier of steel products to customers in North America and is the only producer of discrete plate products in Canada. Its state-of-the-art Direct Strip Production Complex ('DSPC') is one of the lowest-cost producers of hot rolled sheet steel ('HRC') in North America. Algoma is on a transformation journey, modernizing its plate mill and adopting electric arc technology that builds on the strong principles of recycling and environmental stewardship to significantly lower carbon emissions. Today Algoma is investing in its people and processes, working safely, as a team to become one of North America's leading producers of green steel. As a founding industry in their community, Algoma is drawing on the best of its rich steelmaking tradition to deliver greater value, offering North America the comfort of a secure steel supply and a sustainable future. For more information, please contact: Michael MoracaVice President – Corporate Development & TreasurerAlgoma Steel Group Inc. Phone: 705.945.3300E-mail: IR@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Canada's steel industry says Trump's next tariff hike threatens 'mass disruption' to supply chain
Canada's steel industry says Trump's next tariff hike threatens 'mass disruption' to supply chain

Calgary Herald

time03-06-2025

  • Business
  • Calgary Herald

Canada's steel industry says Trump's next tariff hike threatens 'mass disruption' to supply chain

Article content United States President Donald Trump has announced plans to jack up tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50 per cent on June 4 in a move that will further inflame trade tensions. Article content Canadian steel and aluminum producers have faced 25 per cent U.S. tariffs since early March, even though Trump has granted pauses and scaled back some of his administration's other tariffs. Article content Article content The consequences of the steel and aluminum tariffs include reduced industry profits and higher prices for consumers on a wide range of goods, which then reduces demand and further erodes profits. The tariffs have already led to layoffs at plants throughout Canada. Article content 'Steel tariffs at this level will create mass disruption and negative consequences across our highly integrated steel supply chains and customers on both sides of the border,' the Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA) said in a statement on Saturday. Article content Trump made the announcement at a steel plant near Pittsburgh, saying no one would be able 'to steal your industry.' Article content The announcement, which also affects aluminum, comes at a time when global steel prices have been low, which had softened the blow of the tariffs on U.S. buyers of steel. Article content Still, the impact has been pronounced in Canada. Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.-based Algoma Steel Inc. said in its first-quarter earnings report that it paid $10.5 million in tariffs after they had been in place for just two weeks. Article content Article content An updated figure has not been released since then, but chief executive Michael Garcia earlier this month said 60 per cent of Algoma's revenue has traditionally come from the U.S., and the company was making changes to reduce that to closer to 50 per cent. Article content Article content 'The Canadian market has become increasingly challenging, as foreign steel that would have historically gone to the U.S. is now being redirected to Canada due to U.S. tariffs,' he said at the time. 'This has created an oversupply … across multiple product segments, driving down prices and compressing margins.' Article content Algoma's share price has declined 48.9 per cent since January, and 59 per cent since November, to $4.94 per share. That has reduced its total market capitalization to $518 million. Article content The company is just completing an $850-million project to switch its steelmaking process to an electric arc furnace, which will vastly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions while also changing its business structure by allowing it to use scrap metal.

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