Ontario aiming to reduce toxins in industry

TORONTO, Ont. – Ontario is helping its manufacturing and industrial sectors use fewer toxic substances and move to greener, healthier alternatives, thanks to legislation introduced earlier this month.

Part of the province’s Toxics Reduction Strategy includes legislation
that, if passed, would require regulated facilities to: track and
evaluate their current use and release of toxics; develop a plan to
reduce the use and release of toxics; and make a summary of the plan
available to the public.
 
Should the proposed Toxics Reduction Act, 2009 be passed, the province
would be investing $24 million to help support Ontario’s industries
transform their processes, find green chemistry alternatives and reduce
the use of toxics in their operations.

"The global market is seeking innovative alternatives to toxic products
and processes," said Research and Innovation Minister John Wilkinson.
"We are committed to supporting Ontario companies become leaders in the
green economy and meet the worldwide demand for greener products."  

The Toxics Reduction Strategy aims to find a balance between protecting
human health and the environment, and supporting the transformation of
businesses to the green economy. The strategy is built upon the
recommendations of the Toxics Reduction Scientific Expert Panel and
consultations with a wide range of stakeholders. The Bill is available
on the Environmental Registry at www.ebr.gov.on.ca (registry #
010-6224) for public comment until May 7, 2009.