Today, the Ministry of the Environment has announced that Dr. David Balsillie has been appointed to the Southwest Greater Toronto Area Air Quality Task Force. Below, you will find the Ministry press release.
I recently met with Dr. Balsillie and encouraged him to work closely with members of our community who have been engaged on these issues. Dr. Balsillie has assured me that he will move quickly in establishing an advisory committee and work toward tangible improvements to our airshed.
Charles Sousa, MPP
Mississauga South
Improving Air Quality In The Southwest Greater Toronto Area
McGuinty Government Sets Up Task Force Led By Dr. David Balsillie
Dr. David Balsillie will lead the development of a comprehensive action plan to reduce emissions from local industry, traffic, residences, and transboundary sources to improve air quality in the Southwest Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
The plan will include targets for improving air quality, strategies and timelines for reducing emissions, and requirements for reporting on the progress of implementing the action plan. It will also make recommendations for ongoing oversight and accountability in carrying out the plan.
A highly respected expert in air quality issues, Dr. Balsillie will be assisted by a community advisory committee and will consult with municipalities, health units, industry, local community groups and residents’ associations. The final report with its comprehensive action plan will be ready by the end of June 2010.
The one-person task force is part of the Ontario government’s plan to reduce emissions and industrial energy use in the Southwest GTA. The task force plan will build on the Clarkson Airshed Study. This study looked at how emissions from sources within and outside the study area contribute to the air quality in the Clarkson area, including identifying major sources of target air pollutants and looking at data from monitoring and air quality modeling.
QUOTES
“The task force will give us a plan to achieve real improvements in air quality in the Southwest GTA. By working together, we can reduce the risks from air pollutants to our health, the health of our children and our environment.”
— John Gerretsen, Minister of the Environment
“The task force will produce a forward-looking document that provides solutions to long-debated problems in the Southwest GTA. It is crucial that I hear from all quarters of the community about ideas for enhancing air quality and that measurable goals for improvement are set.”
— Dr. David Balsillie, Chair, Southwest GTA Air Quality Task Force
QUICK FACTS
§Since 2005, Ontario has introduced 59 new or updated air standards.
§Ontario set tough limits on two key smog-causing pollutants to cut emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 21 per cent and sulphur dioxide (SO2) by 46 per cent by the year 2015.
§The Ministry of the Environment is working with the community and industry to address local air quality in the Clarkson area.