Windsor-native Barry Zekelman, CEO of Zekelman Industries, is rewarding Canadians who spot and report foreign steel being used in public projects.
Zekelman Industries, North America's largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer, announced the initiative on Monday, offering a $1,000 reward to Canadians who report the use of foreign steel in active or future public construction projects.
Zekelman states that when foreign materials are being used in Canadian projects it weakens the economy and exports local jobs.
This program reinforces Zekelman's ongoing advocacy for the Buy Canadian Act, and he told AM800's The Shift with Patty Handysides that this will make the public and government officials aware of the issue.
"I think they want to do the right thing, and they're saying all the right things about using Canadian steel in the projects that are using our Canadian tax dollars, but saying and doing are two different things. I don't even think they realize how deeply embedded this is in their procurement system, and the procurement chains, so we're going to make them aware of it," Zekelman said.
Those who spot imported steel being used on active or future construction sites that are funded by federal or provincial governments, and are the first to submit a photo and project details on the Zekelman website will be eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.
Zekelman said he's already received tips.
"More than you can imagine so we're starting to funnel that up the chain. We'll go to the government officials and we're going to go to our industry organizations and we're going to send out those rewards to those people who are getting us the information," he said.
Zekelman said he would be happy if he ended up giving away $100,000.
"That means I'm going to expose one hundred projects, and you know what, in the end I play the long game. It's going to be better for me, it's going to be better for our community, it's going to be better for Canada and all the communities that support those steel industries. That's okay, I'll pay that price, I'll gladly make that donation," Zekelman said.
In mid-October, Zekelman joined United Steelworkers union members to rally against foreign steel being used in a new overpass at Banwell Road and the E.C. Row Expressway.
Ward 7 councillor Angelo Marignani told AM800 News following the rally that city administration stated the work was procured in 2024 prior to any tariffs being implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump.