March 27th, 2015

MP Larry Miller Supports Motion to List Microbeads as a Toxic Substance

Ottawa, ON – Larry Miller, MP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, is supporting a motion put forward by NDP MP Megan Leslie which is calling for microbeads to be added to the Government's list of toxic substances.
Microbeads are small plastic beads that are often found in beauty and personal care products such as face wash. Recent research has found up to 5,000 pieces of microplastic per square kilometre in Lake Huron and up to 600,000 pieces of this plastic per square kilometre in Lake Erie. This research was conducted by Philippe Van Cappellen of the University of Waterloo.
The motion, which has received support from all parties, reads:

"That in the opinion of the House, microbeads in consumer products entering the environment could have serious harmful effects, and therefore the government should take immediate measures to add microbeads to the list of toxic substances managed by the government under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999".

"I am in favour of any measure that the Government can take to ensure the safety of the Great Lakes and indeed all Canadian waterways. Research conducted by the University of Waterloo has shown that microbeads present a very real problem and are becoming more prevalent in the Great Lakes," said Miller. "Much in the same way the Government is actively fighting the presence of Asian Carp in the Great Lakes, there should be an expectation to decrease and eliminate the presence of this 'man-made' invasive species."

For more information please visit;

http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=41&Ses=2&DocId=7891249.

To schedule an interview or for more information contact:

Chad Richards
Legislative Assistant
Office: 613-996-5191
Fax: 613-952-0979

Source: Press Release