TORONTO — Companies will be required to reduce the emission of toxic chemicals over an unspecified period of time under new legislation proposed in Tuesday's provincial budget.
While soft on environmental initiatives, the budget pledged $41-million over the next four years for legislation dealing with toxins and to develop a toxin-reduction strategy. The Ministry of Environment will work with the two other departments – economic development and research and innovation – to initiate strategies that will reduce industry's reliance on toxic substances.
The Liberal government also reiterated an election promise Tuesday to spend $10-million over the next four years to ban the use of cosmetic pesticides and to encourage green alternatives. The funding will also be used for education, outreach and compliance.
For households, the government said it will extend the sales tax exemption for Energy Star household appliances and light bulbs till next August. The retail sales tax exemption will also be extended on bicycles bought for $1,000 or less and other safety equipment till December, 2010.
The budget also promised $3-million in one-time funding for the upcoming fiscal year to ensure that environmental education is part of every student's curriculum, and schools incorporate good environmental practices in their resources and operations.
“A competitive economy is a green economy … and so we are increasing funding to fight climate change and provide funding for an environmental curriculum,” said Finance Minister Dwight Duncan.
