Steel pipe and tube manufacturer Zekelman Industries says it has paid out $30,000 in rewards to Canadians whose tips identified the use of imported steel in publicly funded construction projects across the country.

Launched in November 2025, the program was created to shine a light on Canadian projects from British Columbia to Quebec where taxpayer-funded infrastructure relied on imported materials rather than domestically produced steel.

Verified submissions ranged from bridges to schools and hospitals to transit centres, and earned $1,000 for individuals who flagged the imported steel via an online form.

“Canadians repeatedly stepped up to help hold government-funded projects accountable and ensure Canadian tax dollars support Canadian workers and manufacturers,” said CEO Barry Zekelman. “With 30 projects identified in just five months, it proves that Canadians are frustrated with the current landscape and are feeling empowered to speak up against unfair practices.”

The rewards program was designed to raise awareness and support the broader goals of the Buy Canadian Act, which aims to prioritize Canadian-made materials in infrastructure funded by taxpayers.

While the program is concluding, Zekelman says the mission behind the initiative continues.

“Someone had to do something dramatic to start the conversation,” he said. “I was happy to shine a light on the problem, but the momentum we’ve seen shows how important this is to all Canadians. Hopefully this will serve as a wake-up call to Canadian leaders that we won’t stand by quietly while they outsource materials to foreign entities.”