In this episode of the Strong as Steel Podcast, host Scott Lunny, USW District 3 Director, sits down with two emerging activists and leaders in USW District 3, Maddi Genn and Dexter Hunlin to talk about getting involved, finding your voice and building a stronger and more inclusive union.

As June marks Pride Month, the conversation explores the role of 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, allyship and equity within the labour movement. Maddi and Dexter share their experiences as activists, committee members and leaders working to create workplaces and union spaces where everyone feels respected and valued.

Strong unions are built when members step forward, support each other and stand together in solidarity.

In Episode 30, USW District 3 Director Scott Lunny speaks with Chris Gallaway from Friends of Medicare about growing threats to public health care in Alberta. The conversation talks about the Alberta government’s push toward privatization, two-tier health care and expanded private insurance, and what it could mean for workers, rural communities, bargaining and Canada’s public Medicare system. Chris outlines how proposed legislation could increase costs, weaken universal access and undermine national protections under the Canada Health Act. The episode also highlights organizing efforts across Alberta to defend and strengthen public health care for future generations.

In Episode 29 of the Strong as Steel podcast, USW District 3 Director Scott Lunny sits down with Meg Gingrich to discuss the state of Canada’s steel sector and the growing importance of protecting domestic industry.

They dive into the Stand Up for Steel conference and lobby days in Ottawa, where Steelworkers from across Canada came together to push for stronger trade protections, Buy Canadian procurement policies and a long-term industrial strategy for Canada’s steel industry. The episode explores the ongoing impact of U.S. tariffs, job losses and layoffs and why maintaining a strong domestic steel sector is critical not just for jobs, but for Canada’s economic sovereignty.

Scott and Meg also discuss the role of trade cases in defending Canadian industries from unfair imports, the importance of worker voices in lobbying and advocacy, and what’s at stake in upcoming CUSMA trade discussions. From steel to lumber, aluminum and critical minerals, the USW continues to make the case for a national strategy that protects key sectors without sacrificing one industry for another.