X-Message-Info: JGTYoYF78jEbVkeAP33mV8U01Rdgyk5S Received: from fep04-mail.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com ([66.185.86.74]) by mc6-f12 with Microsoft SMTPSVC(5.0.2195.5600); Wed, 15 Oct 2003 22:53:46 -0700 Received: from localhost ([127.0.0.1]) by fep04-mail.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com (InterMail vM.5.01.05.12 201-253-122-126-112-20020820) with ESMTP id <20031016055241.BHJI153463.fep04-mail.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com@loca lhost> for ; Thu, 16 Oct 2003 01:52:41 -0400 X-Mailer: Openwave WebEngine, version 2.8.10 (webedge20-101-191-20030113) From: To: "Healthy Ottawa" Subject: Re: CHO Questionnaire to all candidates Date: Thu, 16 Oct 2003 1:52:41 -0400 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Authentication-Info: Submitted using SMTP AUTH LOGIN at fep04-mail.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com from [127.0.0.1] using ID at Thu, 16 Oct 2003 01:52:41 -0400 Message-Id: <20031016055241.BHJI153463.fep04-mail.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com@loca lhost> Return-Path: clayton.e@rogers.com X-OriginalArrivalTime: 16 Oct 2003 05:53:48.0618 (UTC) FILETIME=[DE614AA0:01C393A9] Hi there, Thanks so much for the electronic version, it makes it a lot easier for me, and you as well, since you get the answers quicker. So please find below the answers I have included following each question below. Thank you very much for allowing me to express my views on this issue. Being a health concious person myself, I find this issue a very important one, and I feel that cosmetic pesticide is not necessary for the urban environment, and there are natural alternatives for those who insist of fertilizing their lawns, as well as the municipal governments use on public property. Again, thank you, and take care. Clayton Erickson Candidate, Ward 17 QUESTIONNAIRE The Coalition for a Healthy Ottawa Address: 236 Royal Avenue, Ottawa ON K2A 1T7 Website: www.sankey.ws/cho.html The Coalition for a Healthy Ottawa is a coalition of health professionals and agencies, community organizations, and individuals working to reduce pesticide use on urban lands in the City of Ottawa. We would appreciate your responses to the following questions. We may publicize your responses. Question #1: Do you support a bylaw in Ottawa eliminating the cosmetic use of pesticides on all public and private properties, with exemptions for farming and for the protection of public health? Yes: [X] No: [__] Undecided: [__] I Need More Information: [__] Question #2: Do you support a bylaw in Ottawa eliminating the cosmetic use of pesticides on all public and private properties starting in 2004, 2005 or 2006? 2004: [__] 2005: [X] 2006: [__] Undecided: [__] I Need More Information: [__] No bylaw: [__] BACKGROUND ON COSMETIC PESTICIDES: Pesticides hurt. They are toxins meant to kill. They disrupt living beings in addition to the target organisms. They are particularly harmful to children. Pesticides have been linked to many illnesses including cancers, asthma, allergies, autism, and attention deficit disorders. Pesticides go everywhere. They do not stay where they are applied. Pesticides and their degradation products are found in the soil, water and air, and in human tissues, including blood, breast milk, and semen. Cosmetic pesticides are unnecessary. There are safer ways to maintain lawns and gardens. Ottawa City Council is responsible for protecting public health. The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that municipalities can act in a precautionary manner to protect public health, and that restricting pesticide use is in the interest of health and good governance. The Supreme Court and the Federal Minister of Health recognize that local pesticide by-laws complement federal and provincial regulations. Many communities across Canada have already restricted the cosmetic use of pesticides due to health concerns, including: Toronto, Halifax, Chelsea, Perth, Cobalt, Caledon, and Thorold. The Province of Quebec has banned the sale and application of several pesticides. For more information, please visit: www.cche-info.com/pdf/cche_municipal_pesticide_bylaws.pdf Many organizations support restricting the cosmetic use of pesticides, including: The Canadian Cancer Society, The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, The Ontario College of Family Physicians, The Canadian Environmental Law Association, World Wildlife Fund, The Ontario Public Health Association, The Canadian Coalition for Health and the Environment, and The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment. We look forward to your reply. Please reply to the address above by October 22, 2003. Thank you for your attention to this important public health issue. Sincerely, The Coalition for a Healthy Ottawa Co-chairs of The Coalition for a Healthy Ottawa Dr. Alex MacKenzie, Director, Research Institute, CHEO; Professor, Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa Dr. Joe Reisman, Chief of Pediatrics, CHEO; Chair, Dept. of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa