Where credit is due

In what may be the first praise-worthy move of Rona Ambrose's tenure as Environment Minister, the Cons have announced that two all-too-common but dangerous chemicals have been added to the list of regulated toxic substances:

To rare kudos from a leading environmental group, the Conservative government quietly unveiled its plans regarding the two substances perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and polygrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the July 1 edition of the Canada Gazette, the official record of regulatory announcements.

Health Minister Tony Clement and Environment Minister Rona Ambrose were expected to formally announce the move today.

By declaring the chemicals toxic substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the government will be able to begin making formal regulations to restrict, and in specified cases, eliminate the use of the chemicals. Asbestos, lead and mercury are among other substances on the list of toxic substances.

It remains to be seen just what type of regulations will be passed, as adding the substances to the list without following up would be an entirely empty step. And for the future, there's still a desperate need for Canada to start taking the lead in dealing with other similar substances. But nonetheless, it's a plus to see a necessary first step taken towarding dealing with a problem which has gone unaddressed for far too long.