Ontario’s Toxics Reduction Act was repealed, meaning thousands of tonnes of toxic chemicals will now go into our air. Air pollution is a serious threat to Ontarians’ health.
The Issue
The Ontario government repealed the Toxics Reduction Act (TRA) and reversed progress on air pollution. This is a serious threat to our health, and a daily reality for many communities living at the fence-line of industrial areas, such as Sarnia .Air pollution and toxic exposures are a key driver of illness and premature death in Ontario. The TRA promised to reduce the use of toxics in industry and our exposure to harmful chemicals in the air, water and consumer goods. Despite being only a few years old and not fully proclaimed in force, this law helped remove more than 175,000 tonnes of toxics from products and industry.
The Ontario government has also ended all support for Ontarians to buy and use electric vehicles and ordered charging stations removed from GO station parking lots. Pollution from cars and trucks is a major source of air pollution.
The Solution
Premier Ford promised to “come down heavy on polluters” during the election campaign. The best way to keep that promise is to bring back the TRA. This will help put Ontario on track to be a leader in pollution prevention and a hub for clean production and innovation.
Incentives for buying electric vehicles should be restored and the creation of a robust charging network.
Resources
For more information about the risks to Ontario’s clean air, see the links below and visit our resources page.
https://environmentaldefence.ca/2019/04/04/premier-ford-scraps-ontario-toxics-law/