Water.
We here in Ontario have been lucky, because water is a resource that we enjoy in abundance.
But it is also something we can’t take for granted.
We all want to know that when we turn on the water in our kitchen, that it is safe to drink.
But 10 years ago, when the residents of Walkerton turned on their taps, that wasn’t the case. And a terrible tragedy ensued.
Because of that tragedy, things have changed. Water quality guidelines and enforcement have been increased, and improvements have been made in water filtration.
Over the last several years, Ontario has quietly been growing one of the biggest clean water industries in North America.
Our services and technologies are being sold here at home and around the world, creating jobs for Ontarians.
Our government believes there is an opportunity here.
As part of its Open Ontario Plan the province is taking steps to make Ontario the leading clean water jurisdiction in North America.
This is why we have introduced the Water Opportunities and Water Conservation Act. If passed, this Act would lay the foundation for new Ontario jobs and make the province the North American leader in the development and sale of new technologies and services for water conservation and treatment. The goal of the proposed act is to capitalize on the global market for water technology, create jobs and drive water conservation in Ontario.
Clean water is vital to our well being. All known forms of life require water to live. Our government is taking action to conserve this valuable resource for future generations.
Through our actions, we have made Ontario’s water some of the best-protected in the world and spurred innovative, made-in-Ontario clean water technologies.
Ontario companies are already leading the way globally, employing 22,000 people and selling technologies and services for water around the world. These initiatives would help Ontarians use less water while paving the way for the growth of Ontario’s water technology sector in the rapidly expanding global market.
The goal of the proposed act is to capitalize on the global market for water technology, create jobs and drive water conservation in Ontario.
And we will work with our partners, industry, schools and entrepreneurs to attract clean water jobs, expertise and investment while creating a culture of conservation.
For more information on tax reform, contact my Constituency Office at 416-630-0080.