I applaud the Government of…

I applaud the Government of Ontario’s proposal to extend the moratorium on new water bottling permits until January 2020 while the scientific groundwater reserve review continues. However I believe that the issue bears consideration on a number of levels, not just the specific groundwater reserves.

The impacts of water bottling extend to the broader environment in a range of ways. The private sector taking of water to place into plastic bottles for sale to the public of Ontario also has ethical and social ramifications that merit close examination.

Why: We don't have the luxury of infinite fresh water. And what's more, our province's fresh water inherently belongs to the public and is not to be extracted, mined or tapped by any entity other than individual landowners and our collective public services.

The experience of recent years shows that water must be treated even more attentively now and in the future if we are to sustain ourselves, our communities and our Province. Climate change is radically altering our environment; droughts and forest fires are becoming increasingly frequent and severe. We need our water to be entirely available for public use and service. We owe it to ourselves and to the next generation.

Moreover Ontario's drinking water is fine, right from our taps – with unfortunate exceptions in northern communities, a situation that has existed far too long and must be resolved swiftly.

Ultimately it is my hope that the proposed extended moratorium will lead to a permanent ban on private sector water bottling in Ontario, not just on new water bottling permits.

Water: It's ours, and we ask our Government to protect it, for us and our children, and theirs.