Toronto, Ont./ Traditional territories of several First Nations including the Williams Treaties First Nations, Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Chippewas, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation — In response to an Interim Order Respecting Releases of Benzene from Petrochemical Facilities in Sarnia, Ontario issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada Sean O’Shea, Government Relations and Campaign Specialist, Ecojustice said:
“We applaud Minister Guilbeault’s decision to exercise his authority under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act to issue this interim order addressing the urgent health dangers facing the community of Aamjiwnaang First Nation. The order follows a decision by the Ontario government to suspend INEOS Styrolution’s environmental compliance approval (ECA).
“While these are positive steps, dangerously high air pollution levels are not an isolated event for Aamjiwnaang; their community has faced systemic issues of environmental racism for decades. Going forward, it is imperative all levels of government work in direct partnership with Aamjiwnaang to find long-term solutions to the environmental and health injustice impacting their community. The INEOS Styrolution plant must remain closed until Aamjiwnaang First Nation believes that it is safe.”
