Toxics Reduction Act
On October 11, 2008, OPHA sent a letter to the Ministry of the Environment, Integrated Environmental Planning Division. In it we expressed our strong support for the Ontario government's proposal to introduce legislation to reduce the use and release of toxins across the province. We outlined in detail our comments on Creating Ontario’s Toxics Reductions Strategy – Discussion Paper [EBR 010-4374] [PDF].
Bill 167 (Toxics Reduction Act) passed second reading in the Ontario Legislature on June 3, 2009.
OPHA had an opportunity to appear before the Government Committee, chaired by David Orazietti, to make a presentation [PDF] highlighting the many reasons the legislation should be strengthened. Connie Uetrecht, Executive Director, was joined by Carol Timmings, President and Helen Doyle, member of the OPHA Environmental Workgroup.
On May 17, 2010, OPHA submitted a letter to the Senior Policy Advisor at the Ministry of the Environment [PDF] supporting the amendment to Regulation 455/09. Strong regulations are required to support the government's Toxic Reductions Act. Community members, workers, and consumers have the right to know about the environmental and occupational risks they are exposed to. Toxic reduction planners should be licenced by the Ministry and should have the appropriate skill and background that includes workplace health and safety.