Proposed changes would end free testing services for Ontarians who use well water in their homes
QUEEN’S PARK – This morning, Ontario Liberal Critic for Rural Issues, MPP Ted Hsu, sent a letter to Ministers Sylvia Jones and Lisa Thompson, urging the Conservatives to immediately reverse course on proposed changes that would end free testing services for Ontarians who use well water in their homes.
Free public testing is critically important to ensure safe drinking water across Ontario, particularly for rural residents, to stop the spread of coliforms, E. coli and other contaminants.
“These proposed changes are reckless and will put the health and safety of families in rural Ontario at risk. The provincial government has a responsibility to ensure access to clean drinking water, which is why I am appalled to see Doug Ford’s Conservatives take steps towards making families — who are already struggling to put food on the table amid an affordability crisis — pay to test their drinking water.”
— Bonnie Crombie, Leader of Ontario’s Liberals
Later today, MPP Hsu will introduce a motion in the legislature to protect free water testing in Ontario.
“In rural communities across the province — including ridings like Lambton—Kent—Middlesex where concerns already exist about a landfill expansion and in Milton where Doug Ford has yet to stop the quarry — residents are worried about their communities and the safety of their well water.
Doug Ford’s cuts and privatization of free well-water testing are only adding to their worries. I urge the Ford Conservatives to immediately reverse course, support my motion, and show unequivocal support for continued free well water testing at local public health labs.”
— Ted Hsu, Ontario Liberal Critic for Rural Issues