North Island MP Calls For Action On Plastic Pollution

North Island MP Rachel Blaney has introduced a private member’s bill to ban foam docks and floats in Canadian waterways.

Blaney says it’s a failure on the Liberal’s part, firing off a letter to the Environment Minister, noting that Washington State recently passed and signed a bill to ban the use of foam in Washington waters as of June 1, 2024, effectively taking action while Canada refuses to.

Blaney wrote: “Our nearest neighbours have taken action on removing foam from their waters, which raises the question of why Canada has not taken action and, further, has no intention of taking action.”

Blaney notes that there are several petitions urging the government to take action on foam in Canada’s waters.

She’s also pointed to two North Island businesses - New Wave Docks and Poseidon Ocean Systems - companies that make alternatives to foam for dock structures and have been recommended by Surfrider Foundation, an organization focused on protecting the oceans and beaches.

In a release, Blaney says despite the availability of such alternatives, and despite the numerous petitions on the topic, the government has said it has no plans to ban the use of foams.