English 
Spanish 
French 
In June 2025, ArcelorMittal Dofasco announced it would close its wire-drawing mill in Hamilton, Ontario, cutting 153 jobs. The mill produced high-carbon wire for sectors like automotive and construction. Read more about the closure.
Though the company cited cost efficiency, the decision reflects larger shifts—economic, environmental, and social—shaping Canada’s industrial future. It highlights the urgency of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) readiness in all sectors.
ESG Pressures Behind the Shutdown
While cost savings may have influenced the closure, ESG-related challenges could have also contributed to these pressures.
-
Climate Policy and Regulation
Canada’s legally binding Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act requires the country to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. That puts pressure on high-emitting industries like steel to either modernize or shut down. -
Carbon and Energy Intensity
Natural Resources Canada reports that industry uses nearly 40% of Canada’s energy and produces over 20% of its greenhouse gases. Wire-drawing mills rank among the most energy-intensive processes. According to the IEA, the steel sector faces some of the toughest decarbonization challenges in the global economy. -
Investor and Policy Pressure
Investors now demand alignment with ESG standards like ISSB, TCFD, and the EU’s CSRD. Companies need clear climate transition plans. A 2024 Senate Committee report on energy and environment recommended phasing out outdated industrial assets. In this context, facilities without a path to sustainability lose relevance fast.
The Social Cost: Jobs, Community, and Trust
Hamilton’s identity is tied to steel. The mill’s closure adds to the city’s long history of industrial job losses. ArcelorMittal has not yet shared detailed plans to retrain or support affected workers.
This runs counter to Canada’s Just Transition Strategy, which urges employers to involve workers early and offer real pathways forward. Clean Energy Canada argues that without fair transition policies, climate action risks damaging public trust and deepening social inequality.
Academic studies from the University of British Columbia and McGill University back this concern. Researchers found that when governments and employers fail to plan, industrial communities suffer long-term economic and social decline.
ESG Training: From Compliance to Competitive Advantage
The Hamilton case shows why ESG training is no longer optional. Professionals need the skills to help companies:
-
Spot ESG risks early
-
Align operations with net-zero policies
-
Communicate climate strategies effectively
-
Design fair workforce transition plans
The Certified Sustainability (ESG) Practitioner Program in Canada equips participants with practical frameworks to apply ESG in real business settings. The program teaches how to turn ESG into action—whether it’s reducing emissions or protecting workers during transitions.
What Hamilton Tells Us About Canada’s Industrial Future
ArcelorMittal’s closure reflects a larger trend. Across Canada, industrial operations face growing pressure from carbon regulations, automation, and community expectations.
As the IEA notes, decarbonizing steel requires early investment, innovation, and social planning. Without ESG integration, more closures will follow. But with the right tools, Canadian industry can evolve and lead globally in sustainability.
About CSE: Training 10,000+ ESG Professionals Globally
This article was prepared by the ESG Research & Content team at the Centre for Sustainability & Excellence (CSE), a global leader in ESG training. CSE has trained over 10,000 professionals across 90 countries, including experts from NASA, the UN, Shell, and the Government of Canada. The Certified ESG Practitioner Program remains a top choice for professionals preparing to lead in sustainability, transition strategy, and ESG reporting.
