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Media Backgrounder

For immediate release
December 22, 2003

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT ACTION ON BLUE BOX PROGRAM STRONGLY SUPPORTED BY MUNICIPALITIES AND INDUSTRY

City of Toronto
David Miller, Mayor

"Today's announcement of a funding plan with industry on the blue box program will inject much needed resources into Toronto's waste diversion efforts. This is good for Toronto, for the environment and strengthens the relationship between business and municipal government."

Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO)
Ann Mulvale, President

“We are thrilled the government has moved forward with the WDO blue box plan. This is a much needed shot in the arm for municipal blue box programs across Ontario. Industry and municipalities got down to business and now have a partnership that will help the environment and make a difference for our communities."

City of Hamilton
Larry Di Ianni, Mayor

“Hamilton is pleased with the WDO agreement approved by the Minister that will see 50/50 funding of the blue box program. It will not only help Hamilton, but will benefit all municipalities as we continue to evolve our waste diversion efforts."

City of Thunder Bay
Lynn Peterson, Mayor

“The City of Thunder Bay, and in fact all Northern Ontario municipalities, will benefit from the funding arrangements provided by the WDO’s blue box plan.”

Waste Diversion Ontario (WDO)
Gemma Zecchini, Chair

“Based on our experience in developing this plan for a sustainable blue box program I’m confident we can meet the target that Minister Dombrowsky has set for us.”

Stewardship Ontario
Dennis Darby, Chair

“I’m proud to be part of Ontario’s first industry funding organization and excited about putting our plan for the blue box program into action.”

Canadian Tire
Susan Rogers, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs

“Canadian Tire has played an active role in Waste Diversion Ontario from the outset. We are highly supportive of environmental initiatives which effectively resolve Ontario's waste management challenges while balancing the needs and obligations of all stakeholders. We are eager to continue our work with the provincial government, municipalities and other interested parties to ensure that municipal blue box programs achieve the province's waste diversion objectives.”

Hudson's Bay Company
Rob Moore, Vice-President, Corporate Communications

“Hudson's Bay Company applauds the provincial government of Ontario for working with the retail sector to develop the 2003 blue box program plan. Today's announcement represents a collaborative process between public and private sector that will help to reduce our footprint on Ontario's environment. We look forward to working closely with the minister to develop a sustainable and accountable blue box program for future years.”

Wal-Mart Canada
Mario Pilozzi, President and CEO

“Wal-Mart Canada congratulates the Government of Ontario on this innovative stewardship program, the first-of-its-kind in Canada. We would like to recognize the lengths to which the Ministry of the Environment went to seek input from retailers, and we look forward to continuing in this spirit of cooperation to foster waste diversion and environmental protection throughout the province.

Canadian Newspaper Association
Anne P. Kothawala, President and CEO

"Newspapers are leaders in diversion and recycling in this province and we congratulate the minister for agreeing to move forward to create a sustainable made-in-Ontario recycling program. Newspapers have a unique role to play in assisting municipalities with critical education and awareness campaigns and we are committed to doing our part to ensure a successful and sustainable program."

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Contacts:

Arthur Chamberlain Minister’s Office (416) 314-5139

John Steele Communications Branch (416) 314-6666