Ontario’s First Provincial Day of Action on Litter

May 13, 2020

CIAC commends the Ontario Government for successfully launching its First Provincial Action on Litter on May 12th, drawing awareness to a major environmental issue that affects Ontarians, and people across the globe.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the issue of litter in the environment has never been more prevalent. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential to protect frontline workers and all Canadians, the responsibility of everyone (including industries) to help reduce litter and manage all forms of waste responsibly is front and center in our everyday lives.

Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and Andrea Khanjin, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks  released a statement saying, “During the COVID-19 outbreak, we have seen people across the province doing their part to combat the health crisis from home, or as essential service workers on the frontlines. These are extraordinary times with our focus entirely on staying safe and stopping the spread, but we must never forget the importance of preserving our environment.”

The provincial government promoted the Day of Action on Litter online, giving tips on how people can help prevent litter and launched a website with further resources. With social distancing rules in effect, group initiatives and events to physically pick up litter have been encouraged to take place in the fall, or once safe to do so.

“When the time is right, our government will work with communities and our partners to organize litter clean-up days across the province. We know that Ontarians are eager to return outdoors, and this will be a great opportunity to reconnect with nature,” the statement said.

Learn More: https://www.ontario.ca/page/provincial-day-action-litter