Pollution jumps in Canada: report

Last Updated Wed, 08 Dec 2004 14:18:26 EST

OTTAWA - Canada has more pollution than it had 10 years ago and neither industry nor government is doing much to reverse the trend, says a report released on Wednesday.

About 4.19 billion kilograms of pollutants – including some that can cause cancer, asthma and other health problems – were released into the country's air, land or water in 2002, says Shattering the Myth of Pollution Progress in Canada: A National Report.

Overall emissions of chemicals that were tracked continuously from 1995 to 2002 jumped by 49 per cent to 296 million kilograms, the report says.

In the Toronto area, emissions rose by 167 per cent.

The report, co-authored by Environmental Defence Canada and the Canadian Environmental Law Association, condemns both government and industry for not doing enough to reduce pollution.

It says Canada lags behind other industrialized countries in tackling the problem.

"The increase shows that there's a lot more work to be done here in Canada in terms of really reducing pollution," Jennifer Foulds, a spokesperson for Environmental Defence, told CBC News Online.

"We haven't really seen real progress."

Most of the 2002 pollution – 3.87 billion kilograms of chemicals, including some that make people sick and contribute to smog and acid rain – went into the air.

Ontario had the most overall pollution of all the provinces in 2002 and includes the country's dirtiest industry, Inco's nickel smelter in Copper Cliff, near Sudbury.

Although the average emissions per source decreased slightly in 2002, the national total went up because there were thousands more sources of pollution than eight years earlier.

The report is based on information from 1995 to 2002 submitted by industry to the National Pollutant Release Inventory, a federal database that tracks emissions across Canada.

In 2002, the most recent year for which numbers are available, the database monitored emissions of 274 chemicals, including carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide from 4,652 facilities.

Wow. Why hasn't anyone replied to this? I guess cause it doesn't talk about how America is evil...

I never really imagined Canada as being a dirty place. But who knows. Perhaps things have gotten better in the past couple years. Those numbers are only current to 2002.

Vinland people, vinland.

You sure it's not (to quote Homer) "America Jr."?

well it shows how our previous prime minister was corporation-friendly and allowed such a thing to happen. Although i don't believe things are going to get better under our current prime minister, who seems even MORE corporation friendly than the one before.

http://www.greenparty.ca/index.php?modu ... e&view=436

Environment number one priority for Canadians

(Montreal - 17 November 2004) - The need for the federal government to put the environment first is clear, following the findings of a recent CRIC (Centre for Research and Information on Canada) poll that shows a full 76 per cent of respondents believe protecting the environment is Canada's number one priority, said Green Party of Canada leader Jim Harris today.

"Canadians are echoing what the Green Party has been advocating: that it is our responsibility as citizens to ensure the integrity, diversity, and richness of our ecosystems," said Harris.

Green Party policies are based on the understanding that there are finite limits to the carrying capacity of our environment. All life is sustained by a fixed amount of resources, and it is every Canadian's responsibility to protect them for future generations.

Harris was quick to point out, however, that the Green Party's mandate does not stop with the environment as he explained the intrinsic link between environment and health. "A healthy environment means less burden on the health care system, not too mention our own well being," he explained.

In its Living Platform project, the Green Party would work to decrease the pollution that is weakening our immune systems, ensure that Canadian food safe and nutritious, as well as provide research funding for traditional and alternative healing practices which complement pharmaceutical and surgical treatments.

"Canadians have indicated what their priorities are, and the Green Party is listening. We need a government that is committed to forward-thinking policies, and not self-interest. Clearly, if three-quarters of the country can recognize the urgency of our situation, then that leaves little room for guessing," added Harris.

The findings are found in "Portraits of Canada", the annual tracking poll of the Centre for Research and Information on Canada (CRIC), conducted by Environics Research Group and CROP. Participants included 3,202 Canadians who were asked what should be a high priority when it comes to helping the country work better? After protecting the environment, spending more money in health care came in at a close send with 75 per cent.

These two priorities are at the top of the list across the entire country, regardless of region. Respondents were asked to rank priorities from a list of 11 choices.




http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/CalgarySu ... 08757.html

Harris green-lighted
Leader vows to get party's first MP elected

By NOVA PIERSON, CALGARY SUN

Newly re-minted Green Party leader Jim Harris says the party is on its way to tripling its votes -- and seeing its first MP -- in the next federal election. "We will elect MPs in the next election," Harris vowed to a crowd of 180 gathered at Kamp Kiwanis near Bragg Creek yesterday.

Already buoyed by a convention attendance that tripled their last one in Montreal, party members were further roused by keynote speaker, scientist and environmentalist David Suzuki.

While he isn't a member of any party, Suzuki said the Greens are the only group in the national arena that recognize the environment isn't just a political issue -- "it's what keeps us alive."

Suzuki told those gathered that he, along with Green Party members, were the true "conservatives" -- interested in conserving forests and waters, rather than ruin them for the sake of harvesting trees or damming a river.

"I am a conservative ... let's take back the language," he said.

"We're against those who want to destroy the world for our children."

Harris, who beat rivals Tom Manley and John Grogan with 55% of the membership's votes, now continues in the role he's had for the last one-and-a-half years.

"It's a strong showing and confirmation of the leadership we've had for the last 18 months," he said.

He said it's hoped inclusion in the next televised leadership debates will help the party spread its message.

"Not only will we challenge every riding, we want to have more female candidates than any party in Canada," he said.

I would imagine it's because everyone is thinking "duh". Every developed country has pollution problems.

And thanks for the links, Kenny. What a stark difference between Canada and the US