Tag Archives: Fresh Water

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Water Is Not For Sale- Say No To Privatization

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Tiger

Water Is A Fundamental Human Right…..Right?

I’m sure you’d agree that access to water is a fundamental human right. In Ontario, with our abundance of fresh water, it may seem that water security is not an issue. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

The province’s new Water and Wastewater Public Corporations Act (WWPCA), which was shoehorned in omnibus Bill 60, paves a dangerous path towards water privatization in Ontario. While the province insists water privatization is not its intent, the Act has no limits on private ownership. In fact, the Act would enable the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to designate corporations under the Business Corporations Act to have control over water and wastewater systems.

Privatization Agenda?

These changes are yet another example of Premier Ford’s privatization agenda, prioritizing corporate interests over essential public services.

Water is a public good and a human right. We can’t sit back and allow this government to make it a commodity. Environmental Defence continues to urge the Ontario government to amend the WWPCA to ensure that water and wastewater services remain public. With your support, we will mobilize the public and raise awareness, calling on the provincial government to stop water privatization and safeguard water sources. How you can help us.

History shows the risk of privatization.

Since the early 2000s, hundreds of attempts to privatize water management worldwide have failed. Municipalities, including Hamilton, Ontario, have tried privatization before, resulting in significant environmental and financial consequences. Privatization often means less transparency and accountability, and could lead to higher water bills, contaminated drinking water, and polluted lakes and rivers.

Water privatization spells an uncertain future for water security in Ontario. Now’s the time to stand up and send a clear message that Water is Not for Sale!

For the Silo,  Rebecca Kolarich /Environmental Defence.

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Greens: Report from Environmental Commissioner of Ontario- Big Companies ‘ripping off’ Province under the Lib Gov’t

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Commissioner Ellen Schwartzel
Commissioner Ellen Schwartzel

(Queen’s Park): Big companies are ripping off the province under the Liberal government, according to today’s report from the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario.

“It’s wrong for the Liberals to subsidize companies to bottle our water,” says GPO leader Mike Schreiner. “The Liberal government is giving away our water to companies that bottle it and sell it back to us. This is outrageous.”

Most industries pay nothing to take water. This means the province recovers only 1.2% of the $16.2 million it spends on water quality management programs. Those who are required to pay for water are only charged $3.71 per million litres according to acting Environmental Commissioner Ellen Schwartzel.

“It’s irresponsible that the Liberals give most industries a total free ride,” says Schreiner. “And charge such a paltry amount for those they do charge.”

The provincial government needs to implement full cost recovery for water taking in Ontario. Companies that profit off our water should pay for the full cost of taking that water. The GPO is also calling on the government to reform the water taking permit process. Ontario must strengthen water protection, which the ECO report also cited as a concern.

“The Dolime quarry, which threatens 25% of Guelph’s drinking water, is only one example of the flawed water taking process,” says Schreiner. “Water taking permits need to include long term management and monitoring programs. Municipal water use and agriculture should be prioritized over industrial use of water.”

The GPO is on a mission to bring honesty, integrity and good public policy to Queen’s Park.

Earths Fresh Water Consumption