24/05/2005 - Canada’s
Environment Minister, the Honourable Stéphane
Dion, welcomes the release today of the Commission
for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) annual
Taking Stock report which shows pollutant
releases going down between 1998 and 2002.
In its latest report, the CEC looked at the
pollutant trends between 1998 and 2002 across
Canada and the United States. In the case
of Canada, government efforts together with
those of industry for reduction, recycling
and prevention of pollution led to a 13% reduction
in pollutant releases that pose risks to the
environment and human health.
“ Our government takes seriously the information
presented in this report as it demonstrates
the importance of concerted action by all
to reduce pollution and give our citizens
cleaner air and water,” said Minister Dion.
“The report notes that challenges to reduce
pollution remain and my goal is to continue
our efforts to focus on the areas of most
concern.”
Lead emissions to air, which can pose a risk
to the health and well-being of Canadians,
are highlighted in report. Overall since 1982,
lead emissions to air have decreased by 95%,
brought about by eliminating lead in gasoline
and measures by industry to reduce lead releases
overall. However, releases from metal mining
smelters still pose a concern. The Government
of Canada recognizes the need for further
action and last year proposed pollution prevention
planning considerations that would lead to
reductions of lead emissions from smelters
by approximately 30 percent by 2008 and
60 percent by 2015 from the 1998 levels while
targeting particulate matter and sulphur dioxide.
These actions will also lead to reductions
of smog and acid rain. This phased-in approach
allows Canadian smelters to significantly
reduce their emissions while fostering the
economic benefits of the industry.
Minster Dion also notes that pollutant releases
from Canada’s industrial heartland, Ontario,
fell 24% between 1998 and 2002. As well, the
province ranks first in North America in recycling
efforts which provides an economic and environmental
benefit to its industry and its citizens.
