A very interesting issue in York South Weston:
(
http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_15385.aspx)
Wednesday October 3, 2007
The NDP wants to keep hazardous chemicals from seeping into your backyard. It's pushing for the "Right to Know" law, so your family is told when it's being exposed to toxins.
Federal NDP Leader Jack Layton said Premier Dalton McGuinty turned a blind eye to the issue last spring when the he dismissed the legislature amid the slush fund scandal.
"[It] could have already been law if Mr. McGuinty hadn't adjourned the discussions last spring," Layton said. "Let's hope, with more New Democrats in the legislature, that we can make that the law of the land, at least for Ontario, as soon as possible."
Layton made the comments Wednesday, at the site of a former paint factory in the Junction that's undergoing soil treatment to drive home his point that there are people possibly living with poisonous chemicals in their neighbourhood and don't even know it. The "Right to Know" bill would require companies to publicly disclose the toxins and other hazardous materials they use in the province's food, ground, air and water.
Families in the Junction community complain about strange odours, and say they suffer from headaches.
"I have suffered through headaches, nausea, running nose, itchy eyes, the works ... and it's not just me," said Lenore Sozinho, whose home is on a street adjacent to the site. "My next door neighbour has the same problems. Depending on how the wind's blowing, some days I can't even stay in my own backyard."
Layton was accompanied by provincial NDP candidate Peter Ferreira, who hopes to oust the Liberal incumbent in the Toronto riding of Davenport.
Meanwhile, Ontario NDP Leader Howard Hampton has promised to resurrect "Right To Know" as part of his campaign platform.
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Although I knew of the property (which operated as a factory for decades), I didn't even know it was that contaminated. It's going to be a tight race between the NDP and the Liberals. Also of note is that two of John Tory's television ads were filmed in this riding.