Dear Minister: Mr. Albrecht has offered no reply
The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, P.C., M.P.
Minister of the Environment
Dear Minister Aglukkaq,
Re: Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development – 8th Report (Feb 2015)
“The Management of Municipal Solid Waste and Industrial Materials”
Thank you for your reply to concerns about the above federal Report. You explain that, “Environment Canada was not involved in the study or the development of the report” and that I may wish to contact the Chair of the Standing Committee, Dr. Harold Albrecht.
In fact, the attached email was sent to Mr. Albrecht on March 16, 2015. To date, Mr. Albrecht has offered no reply. Concerns were specific:
1. As a result of inappropriate influence from incinerator lobbyists the Report is biased, and
2. If serious intentions are to resolve waste problems recommendations need to be revised to include specific action plans.
As you know, Canada’s record on waste is disgraceful. Motherhood statements will not solve Canada’s waste problems. The Report offers no clear strategies to reduce waste, but promotes incineration – an outdated, non-sustainable method of destroying our resources.
You indicate in your letter that “This report is not available for revisions.” This is unfortunate because being unduly influenced by incinerator proponents those referring to it, in search of waste solutions, will be misinformed. Since it is “not available for revisions” the Report should be removed from the shelf as the recommendations do nothing to further waste reduction in Canada.
Environment Canada could replace the Report with clear actions and specific policies that will make waste reduction a reality. Recommendations with specific action plans and time lines, identifying the role that different parties will play to achieve the goal, and specific policies that governments will implement to develop sustainable solutions. This will make it possible for municipalities to surpass waste reduction targets. This will make it possible for Canada to become a leader in waste reduction.
Our federal government can expedite sustainable waste solutions in Canada by developing country-wide policies and programs to eliminate waste, including standardized systems (i.e. Deposit-Returns), requiring eco-designs with producers providing products that are easy to reuse, recycle or compost, producer/polluter pay rules with appropriate incentives/penalties, and phasing out incineration of our resources.
Environment Canada can take the lead to develop effective and sustainable waste reduction policies.
This is possible with political will and strong leadership.
I look forward to your reply,
Kelly Clune
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