North Island - Powell River MP Calls For Polystyrene Ban

North Island MP Rachel Blaney is pushing the government to take action to protect Canada’s waters.

Blaney introduced a private member’s motion urging the government to ban the use of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) for floating structures such as docks.

Blaney says research suggests that dock floatation foam is one of the leading causes of plastic pollution in Canada’s oceans, lakes, and rivers, consumed by fish, dolphins, whales, and birds when they break down, in turn, making their way into our food system.

Although the government has added EPS to the list of toxic substances, Blaney says it has not taken any steps to regulate or legislate foam used in the construction of dock structures, which would be necessary for a full ban.

New Democrats are calling for a complete ban of the foams across Canada, highlighting that there are Canadian-manufactured alternatives available.

Blaney has partnered with local advocates, Fishing for Plastic Environmental Society and Surfrider Canada, to launch a letter-writing campaign in support of her motion.

To support the motion by sending a letter to your Member of Parliament and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, visit Surfrider Foundation of Canada.