SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES

Today's K-W Record in Section D advises us that in some political jurisdictions there are real consequences for criminal environmental offences. The title of the story is
"Canadian asbestos industry not worried by prison, $59 million damages for execs in Italy". Construction firm executives "...were handed 16-year prison sentences for negligence following a trial that officials called historic." The convicted men "...failed to stop asbestos fibres at factories in northern Italy from spreading across the region." Apparently there had been more than 2,000 asbestos related deaths. The defendants were also ordered to pay millions of dollars to their towns where their victims lived.

Contrast this with Canada and Ontario. Right here in Elmira and Woolwich Township we have carcinogenic materials still buried and readily accessible on the Chemtura site. We also have DDT and Dioxins pinpointed years ago within a few metres of the Canagagigue Creek, also readily accessible for removal. And all we get are broken promises and downright deceptions. Mickey Mouse fines and charges over the years. A Ministry of the Environment that looks after themselves and the polluter first instead of the interests of the public.