Ontario can no longer ignore threats facing the Great Lakes

July 19, 2021

TORONTO — Mike Schreiner released the following statement in response to the government's Great Lakes Local Action Fund announcement today:

TORONTO — Mike Schreiner released the following statement in response to the government’s Great Lakes Local Action Fund announcement today:

“While I support today’s announcement of new funding for community projects through the Great Lakes Local Action Fund, it is not nearly enough to protect the Great Lakes from Ford’s agenda to roll back environmental protections.

Ford continues to make decisions that put the Great Lakes at extreme risk, including with Line 5.

It is short-sighted and irresponsible to extend the lifeline of the aging Line 5 pipeline that is 15 years past its expiration date.

Line 5 has already spilled 29 times over the past 53 years.

Another spill would be absolutely devastating to Ontario’s environment and economy.

The Great Lakes provide drinking water to over 35 million people and support more than 1.3 million jobs that generate $82 billion in wages annually.

As the only MPP to vote against Ford’s motion to support pipelines, I urge the Premier to seek safer alternatives and put forward a plan to phase out fossil fuels.

Ford also needs to take immediate action by banning single-use plastic bottles and coffee cups in Ontario.

An estimated 10,000 metric tonnes of plastic every year end up in the Great Lakes, polluting the water and harming wildlife.

Greens will continue to lead the way on protecting the Great Lakes and holding Premier Ford accountable for his environmental recklessness.”

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