Latest news with #ConservationandParks
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Ford government proposes major rollback of Blue Box recycling rules
The Ford government has quietly proposed major changes to Ontario's Blue Box recycling program — changes advocates say will increase pollution, reduce accountability for waste producers and place more costs on renters and municipalities. The new rules would delay key recycling targets by five years, giving producers until 2031 to meet recovery goals for materials like paper, plastic, metal, glass and beverage containers. Those targets had been set to take effect in 2026. The proposed changes would eliminate rules requiring producers to collect packaging waste from apartments, long-term care homes, retirement homes and schools without municipal pickup. Beverage companies would no longer be responsible for containers consumed outside the home. The plan would also allow producers to burn non-recyclable plastic in incinerators or cement kilns and still count it as recycling. The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks says the changes are intended to manage 'higher than expected cost growth' and ensure a 'stable and sustainable' blue box system during the province's transition to full producer responsibility. The government would allow producers up to 15 per cent of recycling targets to be met by burning non-recyclable plastic waste in incinerators or cement kilns. Under the province's Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, producers — including brand owners, retailers and importers — are required to manage recycling programs for packaging and single-use items. The current changes would weaken the 2021 regulations that aimed to shift this responsibility away from municipalities and onto the companies that create waste. Critics say the proposal marks a dramatic reversal of more than a decade of progress on waste reduction and recycling in the province. Karen Wirsig, senior program manager at Environmental Defence, said the changes would increase plastic pollution, promote incineration and burden communities with more garbage, all while letting major producers — like grocery chains and beverage companies — off the hook. 'The government is betraying Ontarians by seeking to reverse requirements that would have reduced single-use and unrecyclable plastics and to delay enforcement of these — now weakened — rules for another five years,' Wirsig said. The Ford government's proposal comes just a day after it passed the controversial Bill 5 , which also fast-tracks large waste facility approval under the claim that Ontario is facing a landfill crisis. 'From the moves this week, it is clear that the premier and the government think more garbage, more dumps and more waste-burners are good for Ontario,' Wirsig said, calling it a coordinated shift toward deregulation that benefits producers and the waste industry at the expense of environmental health and ordinary Ontarians. The government also proposes slashing the recycling target for flexible plastic packaging, such as food wrappers and plastic bags, from 25 per cent to just five per cent. The ministry says industry stakeholders argue these materials are costly, hard to recycle and often contaminate other recyclables. Komal Habib, an associate professor at the University of Waterloo and expert in industrial ecology, said delaying recovery targets by five years is excessive and risks weakening Ontario's circular economy goals. 'It's too long of a transition time to allow producers to plan and make investments for collection and recycling activities,' Habib said. On the decision to exclude multi-residential buildings and public spaces from producer collection responsibilities, Habib said it could have serious consequences. These sites produce a growing share of urban waste, especially in cities like Toronto and Waterloo — leaving them out of the system could hamper progress toward circular economy goals. Ontario is still dumping billions of bottles and cans, while other provinces profit from a deposit-return recycling system. Despite 81 per cent of Ontarians supporting such a system, last year the Ford government scrapped the non-alcoholic drink container deposit-return program, citing cost concerns 'for small businesses and families,' without providing any estimates. Big retailers and consumer brands have been lobbying the Ford government to weaken Ontario's Blue Box rules, claiming recycling costs are too high. Last year, in a joint letter , several Ontario municipal organizations raised concerns about industry lobbying for changes to the province's Blue Box Regulation, warning it could undermine the goals of extended producer responsibility and shift costs back onto municipalities. Ontario NDP environment critic Peter Tabuns said the Ford government's decision to delay recycling targets and loosen producer obligations is a clear example of corporate influence overriding public interest. He argued that big companies have had more than a decade to develop less wasteful packaging but failed to act. Tabuns said the idea behind extended producer responsibility was to force innovation by making polluters pay, but the changes signal a retreat from that principle. He added that the government's decision to allow incineration to count toward recycling targets would worsen climate emissions and increase toxic pollution. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said the government is effectively dismantling a system that was meant to make waste producers accountable and encourage less packaging waste. Instead, he warned, the rollback will lead to more garbage, higher costs for taxpayers and missed opportunities to build a circular economy. Ontario should be moving toward strict producer responsibility, zero waste targets, and greater inclusion of commercial and multi-residential buildings in recycling programs, not backing away from them, he said. A more effective approach would be to reduce the delay to no more than two years and push producers to invest in infrastructure, Habib suggested. She also urged the government to fund academic research to evaluate whether current recovery targets are realistic and sustainable. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. 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National Observer
3 days ago
- Business
- National Observer
Ford government proposes major rollback of Blue Box recycling rules
The Ford government has quietly proposed major changes to Ontario's Blue Box recycling program — changes advocates say will increase pollution, reduce accountability for waste producers and place more costs on renters and municipalities. The new rules would delay key recycling targets by five years, giving producers until 2031 to meet recovery goals for materials like paper, plastic, metal, glass and beverage containers. Those targets had been set to take effect in 2026. The proposed changes would eliminate rules requiring producers to collect packaging waste from apartments, long-term care homes, retirement homes and schools without municipal pickup. Beverage companies would no longer be responsible for containers consumed outside the home. The plan would also allow producers to burn non-recyclable plastic in incinerators or cement kilns and still count it as recycling. The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks says the changes are intended to manage 'higher than expected cost growth' and ensure a 'stable and sustainable' blue box system during the province's transition to full producer responsibility. The government would allow producers up to 15 per cent of recycling targets to be met by burning non-recyclable plastic waste in incinerators or cement kilns. Under the province's Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, producers — including brand owners, retailers and importers — are required to manage recycling programs for packaging and single-use items. The current changes would weaken the 2021 regulations that aimed to shift this responsibility away from municipalities and onto the companies that create waste. Critics say the proposal marks a dramatic reversal of more than a decade of progress on waste reduction and recycling in the province. Big retailers and consumer brands have been lobbying the Ford government to weaken Ontario's Blue Box rules, claiming recycling costs are too high. Karen Wirsig, senior program manager at Environmental Defence, said the changes would increase plastic pollution, promote incineration and burden communities with more garbage, all while letting major producers — like grocery chains and beverage companies — off the hook. 'The government is betraying Ontarians by seeking to reverse requirements that would have reduced single-use and unrecyclable plastics and to delay enforcement of these — now weakened — rules for another five years,' Wirsig said. The Ford government's proposal comes just a day after it passed the controversial Bill 5, which also fast-tracks large waste facility approval under the claim that Ontario is facing a landfill crisis. 'From the moves this week, it is clear that the premier and the government think more garbage, more dumps and more waste-burners are good for Ontario,' Wirsig said, calling it a coordinated shift toward deregulation that benefits producers and the waste industry at the expense of environmental health and ordinary Ontarians. The government also proposes slashing the recycling target for flexible plastic packaging, such as food wrappers and plastic bags, from 25 per cent to just five per cent. The ministry says industry stakeholders argue these materials are costly, hard to recycle and often contaminate other recyclables. Komal Habib, an associate professor at the University of Waterloo and expert in industrial ecology, said delaying recovery targets by five years is excessive and risks weakening Ontario's circular economy goals. 'It's too long of a transition time to allow producers to plan and make investments for collection and recycling activities,' Habib said. On the decision to exclude multi-residential buildings and public spaces from producer collection responsibilities, Habib said it could have serious consequences. These sites produce a growing share of urban waste, especially in cities like Toronto and Waterloo — leaving them out of the system could hamper progress toward circular economy goals. Ontario is still dumping billions of bottles and cans, while other provinces profit from a deposit-return recycling system. Despite 81 per cent of Ontarians supporting such a system, last year the Ford government scrapped the non-alcoholic drink container deposit-return program, citing cost concerns 'for small businesses and families,' without providing any estimates. Opposition slams industry influence Big retailers and consumer brands have been lobbying the Ford government to weaken Ontario's Blue Box rules, claiming recycling costs are too high. Last year, in a joint letter, several Ontario municipal organizations raised concerns about industry lobbying for changes to the province's Blue Box Regulation, warning it could undermine the goals of extended producer responsibility and shift costs back onto municipalities. Ontario NDP environment critic Peter Tabuns said the Ford government's decision to delay recycling targets and loosen producer obligations is a clear example of corporate influence overriding public interest. He argued that big companies have had more than a decade to develop less wasteful packaging but failed to act. Tabuns said the idea behind extended producer responsibility was to force innovation by making polluters pay, but the changes signal a retreat from that principle. He added that the government's decision to allow incineration to count toward recycling targets would worsen climate emissions and increase toxic pollution. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said the government is effectively dismantling a system that was meant to make waste producers accountable and encourage less packaging waste. Instead, he warned, the rollback will lead to more garbage, higher costs for taxpayers and missed opportunities to build a circular economy. Ontario should be moving toward strict producer responsibility, zero waste targets, and greater inclusion of commercial and multi-residential buildings in recycling programs, not backing away from them, he said. A more effective approach would be to reduce the delay to no more than two years and push producers to invest in infrastructure, Habib suggested. She also urged the government to fund academic research to evaluate whether current recovery targets are realistic and sustainable.
Global News
27-05-2025
- Business
- Global News
Government weighs Bill 5 changes, minister says ‘essence' won't change
The Ford government says it is working on amendments to its most controversial piece of new legislation, but a senior minister says the changes won't move won't touch the 'essence' of the bill. The Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, also known as Bill 5, was proposed by the province to speed up mining projects in the north and has been met with a fierce wave of backlash from First Nations leaders and environmental groups. As part of the legislation, the province is set to create so-called special economic zones that would suspend provincial and municipal laws for certain projects. Premier Doug Ford has said the province intends to declare the critical mineral-rich Ring of Fire in northern Ontario one such zone. Since the bill's introduction, however, the government has faced sustained pressure to walk the plan back — and this week, it began indicating changes could be on the horizon. Story continues below advertisement 'Confirming we are working on further amendments to be introduced later,' a spokesperson for the premier's office said. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Only one change has been made public so far, with plans to tweak the preamble of the bill. Preambles set out the purpose of legislation and explain its context, but don't make changes in the way individual clauses do. While the government hasn't said what it plans to change about the proposed law — the environment minister indicated they may be minor. 'We believe that the essence of the bill is sound and that it strikes the right balance,' Todd McCarthy, the minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, told Global News. 'But if there is a need for reassurance in terms of what's in the bill and our respect for the constitutional duty to consult, then you can assured that the bill will not only have that — because it's already in Section three Schedule 10 — but also any amendments to the preamble would give comfort to Indigenous communities that we are serious about the duty to consult going forward.' McCarthy said the changes to the bill's preamble were important 'because they guide the courts and their interpretation of that bill.' The opposition, however, is calling on the government to abandon the proposed law entirely — saying the legislation is not worth saving. Story continues below advertisement 'Things have gone too far in the wrong direction,' Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles said. 'It's time to do the right thing, withdraw Bill 5, and go back to the drawing board.' The bill is currently at committee and is scheduled to pass before the legislature rises for the summer. 'If the bill comes out of committee — amended or not — there's third reading and then there's a regulatory consultation process and there's going to be a fulsome series of consultations with First Nations,' McCarthy said. — With files from The Canadian Press
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Generation Mining receives final permit for Marathon Copper-Palladium Project in Canada
Generation Mining has announced that the final construction permit for the Marathon Copper-Palladium Project in Canada has been granted. The Environmental Compliance Approval – Industrial Sewage Works (ECA-ISW) permit is the last of the necessary approvals required to begin construction on what is set to become Canada's next major critical mineral venture. The permit from the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks paves the way for water management and discharge during the construction phase of the Marathon Project. Generation Mining president and CEO Jamie Levy said: 'With this final permit, Generation believes that the Marathon Project will be a major step forward in securing domestic supplies of copper and palladium – essential elements for clean energy and advanced technologies. 'The completion of construction permitting was one of our key objectives for this year, and securing construction financing is now the final milestone to be able to move the Marathon Project forward. With a shovel-ready plan and strong community support, the Marathon Project has the potential to deliver critical minerals, create skilled jobs and strengthen the Canadian supply chain for a more resilient future.' Located along the Trans-Canada Highway in north-western Ontario, the project is expected to yield 3.6 million ounces (moz) of palladium equivalent (PdEq) over its 13-year lifespan. The Marathon Project will involve the construction, operation and eventual decommissioning of three open pits that will produce copper concentrate that includes copper, palladium and platinum – minerals critical to various industries. Generation Mining vice-president of sustainability Ruben Wallin said: 'The receipt of the ECA-ISW marks the completion of the construction phase approvals process for the project. The company greatly appreciates the indigenous communities, the town of Marathon, and the federal and provincial government agencies that were involved in the process over the past five years. 'The company would also like to recognise the hard work and dedication of our employees and consultants, present and past, in achieving this significant milestone for the project.' In March, Generation Mining secured permits from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to begin construction. The MNR had granted all three outstanding approvals for infrastructure construction related to the water management structures at the project under the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act. "Generation Mining receives final permit for Marathon Copper-Palladium Project in Canada" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Market Online
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Market Online
Ontario copper-palladium mine granted final construction permit
Generation Mining (TSX:GENM) received the final construction permit required to break ground on its 26,000-hectare Marathon copper-palladium project in Northwestern Ontario The project's net present value stands at C$1.07 billion Generation Mining is advancing towards critical metals production in Ontario, Canada Generation Mining stock is up by 34.04 per cent on the news trading at C$0.32 as of 9:37 am ET Generation Mining (TSX:GENM) received the final construction permit required to break ground on its 26,000-hectare Marathon copper-palladium project in Northwestern Ontario. The Environmental Compliance Approval – Industrial Sewage Works (ECA-ISW), granted by the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, dictates water management during the project's construction phase. The Marathon property delivered a 2025 feasibility study detailing an after-tax net present value of C$1.07 billion and a payback period of only 1.9 years based on 3-year trailing average metal prices as of November 1, 2024. The mine is expected to produce 2,161,000 ounces of palladium, 532 million pounds of copper, 488,000 ounces of platinum, 160,000 ounces of gold and 3,051,000 ounces of silver over a 13-year operating life. Management will now focus on raising about C$1 billion in initial capital required to reach production. Leadership insights 'With this final permit, Generation believes that the Marathon project will be a major step forward in securing domestic supplies of copper and palladium – essential elements for clean energy and advanced technologies,' Jamie Levy, president and chief executive officer of Generation Mining, said in a statement. 'The completion of construction permitting was one of our key objectives for this year, and securing construction financing is now the final milestone to be able to move the Marathon project forward. With a shovel-ready plan and strong community support, the Marathon project has the potential to deliver critical minerals, create skilled jobs and strengthen the Canadian supply chain for a more resilient future.' 'The receipt of the ECA-ISW marks the completion of the construction phase approvals process for the project. The company greatly appreciates the Indigenous communities, the Town of Marathon and the federal and provincial government agencies that were involved in the process over the past 5 years,' added Ruben Wallin, Generation Mining's vice president of sustainability. 'The company would also like to recognize the hard work and dedication of our employees and consultants, present and past, in achieving this significant milestone for the project.' About Generation Mining Generation Mining is advancing towards critical metals production in Ontario, Canada. Generation Mining stock (TSX:GENM) is up by 34.04 per cent on the news trading at C$0.32 as of 9:37 am ET. The stock has added 12.50 per cent year-over-year but remains down by 30 per cent since 2020. Join the discussion: Find out what everybody's saying about this Canadian copper and palladium stock on the Generation Mining Ltd. Bullboard and check out the rest of Stockhouse's stock forums and message boards. The material provided in this article is for information only and should not be treated as investment advice. For full disclaimer information, please click here.
