Recent data released through freedom of information laws shows elevated levels of benzene, a known carcinogen, and sulphur dioxide in the Aamjiwnaang First Nation.
The report shows that levels of cancer-causing pollutants in the area were 44 times higher than what is considered safe. Even worse, the provincial government was fully aware that levels dramatically exceeded Ontario's standard and did nothing to stop it.
Sign now to tell the Canadian Parliament to end centuries of environmental racism!
In Ontario, the Aamjiwnaang First Nation is in the heart of "Chemical Valley," surrounded on all sides by a variety of petrochemical facilities that can worsen local air quality through dangerous and toxic emissions. Members have long suspected that these industries are harming their lands, especially given that Canada has a long history of ignoring concerns from First Nations about environmental hazards or their water crises.
This is just one piece of a devastating global trend. Indigenous people around the globe contribute the least to local pollution and climate change, yet tend to suffer the worst consequences of both. They are disproportionately criminalized for their resistance to colonial and extractive projects, which threaten their land, water, and air.
Earlier this year, a bill naming and combating environmental racism would have helped prevent instances like this, but died after a snap election was called by the Liberal government. Bill C-230 would have forced the Canadian government to grapple with systemic environmental harm against First Nations people. Canadian Parliament should revisit and pass this crucial piece of legislation to protect First Nations people and commit to ending ending legal environmental discrimination now. Sign if you agree!