AMPs I am pleased to support…

AMPs
I am pleased to support the possibility of attention to expanded areas of pollution, however, I do realize that this depends on an order in Cabinet in order to be effected.

There are other areas of this portion of Schedule 9 that I would like to address:

a) It is absolutely unacceptable to remove the per diem fine structure for AMPs and to substitute a per contravention structure. That completely removes the the financial deterrent aspect of prevention and correction of water pollution incidence. It is effective and necessary. The per diem rate must remain.

b) It is absolutely unacceptable to put a cap on the amount of any AMP incurred. There is no cap on the damage to human and to ecological health for any occurrence of water contamination that continues unabated. Incentive to rectify any contamination is obviously much stronger with a per diem AMP.

c) Under NO circumstances should the Reverse Onus clause be removed. This policy enables swift response to contamination and protects both the public and the environment in a decisive and efficient manner, and acts as a strong disincentive to pollute. This clause is a singularly important cornerstone of Ontario environmental protection and absolutely should remain.

d) The 5 year report of pollution contraventions should be maintained. This public transparency over time offers insight into public policy determination and future directives for human and ecosystem health in a way that identifies trends that an annual report cannot.

e) I call upon the government of Ontario to remove Schedule 9. It is dangerous to human health, dangerous to our environment both plant and wildlife, and an open ticket for serious and repeated contamination of our water, source and waterways (as well as our land and forest ecosystems, as noted in other response areas. )