Ministry of the Environment,…

Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
Policy and Program Division
Program Management Branch
Address
40 St. Clair Avenue West
Toronto, ON
M4V 1M2

Attention: Susanne Edwards
RE: ERO POSTING 019-0646 Transfer of motor vehicle provisions from the Environmental Protection Act to the Highway Traffic Act
Clean Air Hamilton is a voluntary committee established in 1998 to advise on air quality, climate change and related issues in the City of Hamilton. We also provide an authoritative voice and resource on local air quality issues. We are an innovative, multi-stakeholder agent of change and are committed to improving the health and quality of life of citizens through communication and promoting realistic, science-based decision-making and sustainable practices. Hamilton has been identified as a high priority community in the National Air Quality Management System and Ontario’s Environmental Plan.
One of the goals of Clean Air Hamilton is to improve air quality throughout the City of Hamilton and to meet all ambient air quality criteria. Transportation is one of the largest sources of air pollutants in Hamilton resulting in negative health effects, such as respiratory and cardiovascular related illnesses, heart disease and a variety of cancers. Vulnerable populations including low income families are the most affected by the impacts of poor air quality. Scientific literature has shown that the life expectancy and level of health of residents in areas with lower air quality tend to be lesser than those in areas with higher air quality. This only emphasises the importance of clean air within Hamilton and throughout Ontario.
Clean Air Hamilton would like to submit the following questions/comments for review:
Clean Air Hamilton supports transferring of motor vehicle provisions from the Environmental Protection Act to the Highway Traffic Act, provided that standards are upheld and maintained. The Ministry of Transportation will be impacted by this change and will require training and staffing to maintain the required level of service to uphold the standards. Has this been addressed? Is there an appropriate level of funding to support the transfer of services?
Clean Air Hamilton is committed to working collaboratively with all levels of government, industry, local businesses, community groups and citizens to help reduce transportation emissions and improve air quality and the health of citizens of Hamilton and in the Province of Ontario. Please do not hesitate to contact Shelley Rogers, Clean Air Hamilton Coordinator, cleanair@hamilton.ca about the above information provided. Thank you very much for your time.

Sincerely,

Dr. Bruce Newbold,
Chair, Clean Air Hamilton
Director, Geography and Earth Science
McMaster University