A push is under way to increase the amount of Canadian steel used in the renovation of Parliament Hill’s Centre Block, a project estimated to cost up to $5 billion. Senior project manager Jennifer Garrett faced scrutiny over the use of American steel in the construction, in light of ongoing trade tensions with the United States.

Canadian Steel Efforts

During an update to Members of Parliament, Garrett revealed that 65% of the steel purchased so far is Canadian. Moving forward, the goal is to source the remaining steel from Canada. The total cost of the Centre Block upgrade is projected to reach between $4.5 billion and $5 billion by the project’s completion in 2031, after 13 years of work.

Concerns and Clarifications

Public Services and Procurement Canada, the department overseeing the project, had previously expressed concerns about the use of Canadian steel. In response to a trade dispute with the U.S., contractors were instructed to only use Canadian-sourced steel, even if it came at a higher cost, with the department covering the difference.

In response to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on steel imports, Canada retaliated with its own tariffs. Despite this, more than 4.2 million kilograms of steel have been purchased for the Centre Block project from Canadian subcontractors. However, 35% of the steel used thus far has been sourced from the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Project Progress

Garrett assured MPs that efforts were being made to increase the use of Canadian steel in the project. She noted that while premiums may be incurred due to ongoing tariffs, the majority of the steel purchased for the renovation is expected to be Canadian by project completion.

The Centre Block, a Gothic Revival-style complex at the heart of Parliament Hill, has undergone extensive renovations to modernize its facilities while preserving its historic features. The project includes reinforcing the Peace Tower with 100% Canadian steel, among other improvements.

Challenges and Milestones

Despite significant inflationary challenges, the project remains on budget with $1.4 billion already spent. Construction is scheduled for completion by 2031, followed by a year of preparations before MPs, staff, and the public can return to the revitalized Centre Block.

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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