WHO: Draw the Line Coalition

MEDIA CONTACT: Gur Tsabar and Alicia Parker, [email protected]

 

Ottawa, ON - A new Globe and Mail investigation has revealed that families in at least 11 communities across Canada are living with poisoned tap water. PFAS — so-called “forever chemicals” linked to cancer, immune disorders, and developmental harm — have been found at levels far above Health Canada’s own guidelines, yet residents are still waiting for answers, clean water, and accountability.

Ottawa has known about many of these contaminated sites for years. Its response: bottled water deliveries and non-binding guidelines that have left families fearful for their health and furious at a government that has yet to guarantee safe drinking water.

“This is a betrayal,” said Pat Wally, spokesperson for Seniors for Climate. “Parents are wondering if they have been giving their children poisoned water for years while Ottawa stayed silent. The federal government must stop hiding behind studies and excuses and deliver clean water now.”

The harm caused by water contamination in communities across Canada is not new — the First Nation of Grassy Narrows in northern Ontario, Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek First Nation, has spent years lobbying the federal government to protect their community and to make polluters pay for the ongoing mercury crisis.

Earlier this week, a CBC article highlighted a new study by climate researchers linking heat waves directly to major fossil fuel companies and their products.

Draw the Line is demanding that Prime Minister Carney make polluters pay their fair share for decades of harm. 

On September 20, tens of thousands of people will mobilize across 60+ Canadian cities to draw the line against corporate negligence and government delay.

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The Draw the Line mobilizations in Canada are organized by Seniors for Climate, Migrant Rights Network, Indigenous Climate Action, Sacred Earth Solar, Climate Action Network Canada (CAN-Rac), 350.org, World Beyond War Canada, For Our Kids, Climate Reality Project Canada, Climate Emergency Unit, Greenpeace Canada, Council of Canadians, Music Declares Emergency, and Palestine Solidarity Network, and endorsed by over 200 organizations representing millions of Canadians. From rallies to strikes, marches to gatherings, this September 20th, communities will mobilize across the country and demand that Prime Minister Carney and the Canadian government pick a side: injustice, violence, and climate destruction- or a just and safe future for all of us.

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