Ontario Rejects Hamilton’s Call to Probe ArcelorMittal Dofasco Emissions

Rowan Ashford

Published: February 11, 2026 12:16 AM ET

Ontario Rejects Hamilton’s Call to Probe ArcelorMittal Dofasco Emissions

The Ontario government has declined a request from Hamilton citizens for an investigation into ArcelorMittal Dofasco’s emissions. This decision, made by the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Parks (MECP), follows a formal petition filed in November by local resident Jochen Bezner and others, raising concerns about pollutants released by Canada’s largest steelmaker.

Details of the Emissions Request

Bezner and other Hamilton residents argue that ArcelorMittal Dofasco is emitting dangerous pollutants exceeding the provincial air-quality standards. They claim that these emissions violate various sections of the Environmental Protection Act.

MECP’s Rationale for Denial

In its recent statement, MECP stated that investigating Dofasco would duplicate efforts due to an ongoing inquiry. The ministry is already engaged in initiatives aimed at ensuring compliance with emission standards. They are implementing long-term risk-abatement strategies and working on developing industry standards that will establish emission limits for companies, including Dofasco.

Community Responses to the Decision

Jochen Bezner, a consistent member of Dofasco’s community liaison committee, expressed disappointment with MECP’s decision, urging Dofasco to take accountability for its environmental impact. He emphasized the need for transparency regarding Dofasco’s decarbonization timeline and initiatives.

Role of Ecojustice

The environmental charity Ecojustice formally endorsed the investigation request on behalf of Bezner. Ian Miron, a lawyer from Ecojustice, criticized the province’s stance, asserting that it permits Dofasco to continue utilizing coal, adversely affecting local air quality. Miron reiterated that government action is crucial in holding companies like Dofasco accountable for their emissions.

Ongoing Oversight and Inspections

MECP emphasized in its announcement that air inspections are being conducted regularly from 2023 to 2025 to monitor Dofasco’s adherence to an abatement plan it submitted to control hazardous emissions. These inspections focus particularly on the coal-to-coke processing, which poses significant risks due to contaminants like benzene and benzo(a)pyrene.

Community Engagement Opportunities

Residents wanting to voice their concerns about ArcelorMittal Dofasco’s emissions can do so via the Environmental Registry of Ontario until March 12. Dofasco has submitted a request to renew conditions of its permits related to air and noise pollution as part of this ongoing dialogue.