It's time for Hamilton’s steel producers to stop emitting toxic pollutants and transition to clean steel production. Hamilton is proud of their steelmaking legacy. It’s Canada’s steel town and residents are working hard to keep it that way. However, Hamilton’s steel producers are among Ontario’s largest sources of pollution and burn the coal widely regarded as responsible for Hamilton’s soot fallout.

Contaminants from these steel facilities pose significant health risks for Hamilton residents. These harmful chemicals pollute the air and rain down on Hamilton as black soot. The provincial government must put a stop to the outdated coal-burning in one of Canada’s largest cities. 

Currently, Hamilton’s largest steel plant and source of industrial pollution, ArcelorMittal Dofasco (AMD), receives special permissions to emit contaminants above provincially regulated air quality standards from the government of Ontario — and just a few months ago, AMD asked Ontario to continue these exemptions.

In 2022, AMD promised Hamilton this would all change! They accepted $950-million in government aid to build a modern coal-free steelmaking operation by 2028. 

Almost four years after construction was supposed to begin, shovels have not broken ground.

Hamilton residents deserve better. Tell the provincial government to end the air emissions exemptions so that AMD is forced to move forward with  their transition to clean steelmaking! 

 

Your letter will be sent to Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Hon. Todd McCarthy, and your Member of Provincial Parliament