Government Takes Action to Protect the Health of Ontarians

First air standards update in 25 years will reduce pollution limits, improve air quality

TORONTO (Sept., 2005) – The Ontario government is protecting the health of Ontarians and improving air quality with tough air pollution limits for industry, Environment Minister Laurel Broten announced today.

“These changes will mean cleaner air, healthier communities and healthier Ontarians all across the province,” said Broten. “In parks, playgrounds and schoolyards every one of us will breathe easier thanks to our government’s Five-point Action Plan for Cleaner Air.”

These new industrial air standards protect Ontarians from the effects of industrial air pollution. The standards will be phased in over five years to give industry time to plan for and meet the tougher limits.

“We are very supportive of the ministry’s actions to improve local air quality in Ontario ,” said Dr. Ted Boadway, Executive Director of Health Policy, Ontario Medical Association. “This regulation will better protect public health and the environment. It will also help us better understand air pollution sources in local communities and encourage community involvement in developing solutions for site specific air issues.”

“Dofasco welcomes the Ministry’s new air standards regulation and appreciate the consultative approach used in its development,” said Jim Stirling, General Manager, Environment and Energy at Dofasco Inc., a major steel producer in Ontario . “The risk-based process for air pollution requirements and new air dispersion models are critical components of the regulation that will enable industry to grow while improving their environmental performance.”

These new rules, along with an updated air dispersion model, are the final piece of the McGuinty government’s Five-Point Action Plan for Cleaner Air, announced in June 2004. This plan will make Ontarians healthier.