Laid Off? Your Next Steps in the Soo
Tap your situation for a clear checklist — the income you can claim, the retraining that's paid for, and exactly who to talk to — for Algoma Steel layoffs and any job loss in the Soo.
If you were laid off from Algoma Steel — or any job in the Soo — you are not alone, and there is real, free help here. This page walks you through what to actually do: the income you can claim, the retraining that's paid for, and who to talk to in person. Tap the situation closest to yours.
What's your situation? Tap the one closest to yours.
Good to know
All of this is free — no one should charge you
Employment Insurance and Better Jobs Ontario are free to apply for through the government. If anyone offers to 'get you approved faster' or 'find you EI money' for a fee, that's a scam — don't pay, and don't share your SIN with them. The real help below costs nothing.
Apply for EI right away — don't wait for your paperwork
Apply for Employment Insurance as soon as your last day of work, even if you don't have your Record of Employment yet. If you apply more than four weeks after your last day, you can lose benefits. You can always send documents in after you start.
You have rights on termination and severance
Ontario law sets minimum notice and, for longer-service workers, severance pay. If you're in the union, your collective agreement and the Steelworkers can help you understand your options — including the choice between keeping recall rights and taking severance. For the provincial minimum rules, the Employment Standards Information Centre is 1-800-531-5551.
If things feel like too much
A layoff is a heavy blow, and it's okay to ask for help. The 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline is free, 24 hours — call or text 9-8-8. Algoma's 24-hour crisis line is 1-800-721-0077. You don't have to be in crisis to call.
Official links
- Service Canada — Apply for Employment Insurance — The federal EI regular-benefits application. Free. Info line 1-800-206-7218.
- Better Jobs Ontario — The retraining funding for laid-off workers — apply through a local employment office.
- Steelworker POWER Action Centre — register — Free drop-in help for laid-off steelworkers; centre at 68 Dennis Street.
- Your rights: termination & severance (Ontario) — Ontario's minimum notice and pay rules. Employment Standards line: 1-800-531-5551.
- Ontario Works — Sault Ste. Marie — Monthly basic-needs income support. 705-759-5266.