The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) congratulates the Ontario government on releasing the made-in-Ontario environment plan which focuses on protecting the air, land and water, preventing and reducing litter and waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping communities and families prepare for climate change.

“CIAC and our Ontario members support Ontario Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, Rod Phillips’ plan to implement a broader approach to address climate change and resiliency,” said CIAC President and CEO, Bob Masterson.

“Through our Responsible Care® initiative, we remain steadfast in our commitment to sustainability – delivering results for the betterment of society, the environment, and the economy.”

In particular, CIAC is pleased the plan recognizes Ontario’s chemistry industry, including:

• Clean Air Sarnia and Area initiative that provides a publicly-assessible real-time air quality information and the commitment to move forward with the Sarnia Area Environmental Health initiative.
• The role industry has played to reduce Ontario’s greenhouse gas emissions and the recognition of trade exposure, competitiveness and process-emissions which will be addressed in regulations.
• The need to increase waste diversion and exploring innovative chemical recycling and thermal treatment technologies, while modernizing environmental approvals to support end markets for waste and new waste processing infrastructure.

Ontario’s $22-billion chemistry industry is the third largest manufacturing industry and second largest exporting sector in the province. The chemistry sector is a key employer in the Sarnia-Lambton, GTA/Niagara and eastern Ontario regions. Overall, the sector directly employs 46,000 Ontarians in well-paying jobs and supports another 220,000 Ontario jobs in other sectors.

CIAC looks forward to working with Minister Phillips to advance a made-in-Ontario environmental plan that levers Ontario’s low carbon advantage to protect our environment while supporting competitiveness and job creation for our economy.