For too long, communities of colour have been experiencing disproportionate rates of environmental injustice.

In Canada, a long-standing history of government and corporate policies has created a reality where Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities experience the brunt of harmful industrial pollution and toxic chemical exposures. This has resulted in high rates of cancer, reproductive diseases, respiratory illnesses and other health problems in these communities.

From the decision approximately 60 years ago to offload pulp mill effluent into Pictou Landing First Nation’s once-pristine Boat Harbour, to toxic landfills placed in the African Nova Scotian communities of Shelburne and Lincolnville, to mercury contamination in Grassy Narrows First Nation, to petrochemical facilities in Chemical Alley in Ontario and in British Columbia, and toxic waste at northern DEW line sites, examples of ongoing environmental racism in Canada can be found coast to coast to coast. 

It is past time that Canada tackles environmental racism head-on.

 

Tell Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault that we need a national strategy to address the harms caused by environmental racism. We need the government to generate the information needed and take measures to remedy and protect communities that have been disproportionately affected by environmental pollution.  

Your letter will be sent to: Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault and your local MP.