Media Release

The Canadian Steel Producers Association Announces Upcoming Departure of President and CEO Catherine Cobden

June 1^st, 2026, OTTAWA, ON — Today, the Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA) announced that Catherine Cobden has informed the Board of her decision to step down as President and Chief Executive Officer on July 31^st.

Since January 2019, Cobden has guided Canada’s steel industry through the most challenging and consequential periods in recent history, including both rounds of U.S. Section 232 steel tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. Her leadership, strategic advocacy, and tireless commitment to the sector helped ensure the Canadian steel industry’s voice was heard clearly and effectively in Ottawa, across the country and on the international stage.

“Catherine has been an outstanding leader for our industry and an unwavering advocate for Canadian steel producers,” said Ron Bedard, Chair of the CSPA’s Board of Directors and CEO of ArcelorMittal Dofasco. “Her vision, integrity, and commitment have helped position the Canadian steel sector for long-term success. On behalf of the Board and our members, we thank Catherine for her tremendous contributions and wish her every success in the future.”

Under Cobden’s leadership, the CSPA strengthened its role as a leading voice for Canadian steel producers advancing policies that support growth, competitiveness, fair trade, and the transition to a lower-carbon economy. She has played a central role in defending Canadian steel jobs and advocating for fair treatment of Canadian steel producers during ongoing trade disputes with the United States.

“It has been a tremendous honour to represent this vital Canadian sector over the last 7 years. I am immensely proud of the successes of our Association over my tenure,” said Catherine Cobden, CSPA’s outgoing President and CEO. “I will do everything I can to support the Board in their recruitment efforts while also actively advancing our collective agenda until my departure date.”

The Board of Directors will begin the process of identifying the CSPA’s next President and CEO immediately. Further announcements regarding CSPA’s leadership will be made in due course.

The Canadian Steel Producers Association thanks Catherine Cobden for her outstanding service, steadfast leadership, and unwavering dedication to Canada’s steel industry.