Local media reported Wednesday that US Steel pensioners will gain access to $3 million in transitional funds provided by the Canadian government on Jan. 1, 2016.
The fund was announced in October US Steel Canada was allowed to end payments for health benefits for former Hamilton and Nanticoke mill workers. The $3 million will cover a portion of the benefits for the 20,600 eligible participants until March 31 or sooner if the money runs out.
Kelsey Ingram, spokesperson for Finance Minister Charles Sousa, said in October the transition fund was set up to "assist those people who are in urgent need to have access to the drugs and services that were provided by the employer and were terminated Oct. 9, for six months, while other avenues are being explored."