And it is not only Global Warming that is harming our children. There are many toxic chemicals in our consumer products.

CANADA MUST BAN ALL TOXIC CHEMICALS.

To Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Environment Minister John Baird,

I am writing to express my concern over the presence of a myriad of toxic chemicals in the bodies of Canadians, particularly the children. In December 2006, PM Stephen Harper launched a Chemicals Management Plan to deal with some of the most harmful substances in our environment. The plan was a welcome first step in addressing Canada’s environmental deficit. Canada must ban toxic chemicals.

At the same time Environmental Defence released a study that showed that our kids are full of harmful chemicals - of 68 possible toxic chemicals tested for, a staggering 39 were detected in our children. Many of the chemicals are associated with

* cancer,
* hormone disruption,
* reproductive disorders,
* respiratory illnesses and
* harming the development of children.

However a Sierra Legal Defense Fund press release stated yesterday that a ban on domestic manufacturing of PDBEs would be meaningless if the government provided a huge loophole for continued public exposure through imports. The regulations would allow a dangerous chemical to remain in use. That is unacceptable. Elaine MacDonald, a Sierra Legal Defence Fund scientist says the government's proposal:

“is pretty toothless. The fact that you've just labelled it as toxic but then you're not taking the next step, which is to ban it, is not effective.”

Meanwhile, two parliamentary committees are entering the final stages of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) review. Moreover, even as Canada begins to bring itself up to the standards of other countries, many of those countries are pulling further ahead. Europe will be bringing in a new chemicals management law - Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH). Under this legislation, the burden of proof is placed on industry to prove the safety of a chemical before it can be introduced to the market. Canada must match the European standard.

Specifically, Canadian government must do the right thing and support the four recommendations of Environmental Defence:

* Set aggressive time lines for the virtual elimination of ALL toxic chemicals,
* Make industry accountable for its chemicals,
* Regulate toxic chemicals in consumer products
* Reduce pollution in the Great Lakes Basin.

I am sure you both agree that all children deserve a clean and healthy environment.

What are your plans to address these critical issues, and can I be assured that you will take action on it.

Be well.

Paul Malouf