Re: ERO 019-0913 Two-thirds…

Re: ERO 019-0913

Two-thirds of people in Ontario want the provincial government to phase out all bottled water takings. I am one of them.

The Ontario government is obligated to protect water as a human right and ensure it is there for future generations.

I am writing to urge the Province of Ontario to:

1. Phase out current permits for single-use bottled water facilities and implement a permanent moratorium on new or expanded permits for such facilities,

2. Require Nestlé to sell the Middlebrook well to the Township of Centre Wellington, which needs it for drinking water,

3. Seek free, prior and informed consent of affected Indigenous peoples and hold public consultations to determine how to prioritize water use based on the human right to water.

Groundwater resources are finite. Droughts, climate change and over-extraction continue to impact our limited water sources. At this pace, we will not have enough water for our future needs. Wasting groundwater on frivolous and consumptive uses such as bottled water is irresponsible. Ontario communities’ needs must be put ahead of Nestlé’s corporate profit plans.

I call on you to protect water in Ontario for today and for future generations.