Over the past few weeks, Hamiltonians have been deeply impacted by the ongoing issue of poor air quality and industrial pollution. In early July, much of Hamilton’s lower city, Hamilton East-Stoney Creek, and the East Mountain experienced an increased volume of black soot fallout. Parents wrote to me that they were afraid to let their children play in the backyard because their feet would return covered in black grime. Homeowners painstakingly wiped down outdoor furniture, only to have it coated again in black grime hours later.
We know that the issue of industrial pollution and poor air quality is not new for Hamiltonians. For decades, successive Liberal and Conservative governments have failed to implement and enforce environmental standards that acknowledge the cumulative air quality impact of Hamilton’s industrial waterfront. Poor air quality is one factor thought to contribute to the significant disparity in life expectancy – a 21-year difference – between residents of Hamilton’s lower city compared to Hamilton’s more suburban neighbourhoods. And with this most recent event, nearly 500 Hamiltonians submitted complaints to the Ontario Minister of Environment, Conservation, and Parks (MECP) demanding investigation of the black soot.
Here’s the bottom line: Hamiltonians deserve clean air. As your Member of Provincial Parliament, I am committed to getting answers from the MECP about where the black soot fallout is coming from and any potential health risks for Hamiltonians.
But we need more than just answers; we need a plan. We need to know that the Ministry of Environment is going to enforce environmental protections and ensure that Hamilton’s air is safe to breathe now and for the next generation.
Please join me for a Virtual Townhall to discuss Hamilton’s air quality and action on the issue of black soot fallout on August 18th from 6-7pm. You can register on my Events page at robinlennox.ca.
In solidarity, Robin Lennox, MPP Hamilton Centre
