I urge the Government of…

I urge the Government of Ontario to NOT repeal the Toxics Reduction Act, 2009.

The notion that the federal Chemicals Management Plan covers all and more than the Act in question is simply not true. If there is any duplication, simply pass a law that states that wherever there is duplication, the law that provides the greatest protection to human health takes precedence.

The right to know about toxic substances, including their presence in products and use, should be an obligation of industries that place them there and use them, not for government to pay and be responsible for informing people.

I take the opportunity to urge our provincial Government to stop referring to regulations as a burden or as "red tape": regulations are by and large safeguards, protections for both business and consumers, citizens and the population at large. "Regulatory burden" should be replaced by "regulatory framework", and "red tape" should be replaced with "lawful requirements". Whether such framework or requirements are not needed, is another question, and each should be reviewed and analyzed on their own specific merits, not derided with language that fosters disrespect for Government, the law, and the duty of care.