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June 12th, 2019

The NPD Calls for Composting on Parliament Hill

OTTAWA — NDP Deputy Leader and Environment Critic Alexandre Boulerice called for the implementation of a composting program to recover food waste produced on Parliament Hill today.

“It’s not complicated: if we take into account all the workers who eat on the hill, that’s thousands and thousands of tons of organic matter that end up in the city’s landfills, produce greenhouse gas emissions, and contaminate groundwater,” said Boulerice (Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie). “Almost everyone is already composting at home, so if Parliament Hill can’t lead by example, it should at least follow people’s lead”.

The National Capital Commission and Public Services and Procurement Canada share responsibility for managing Parliament Hill buildings and grounds. Although the City of Ottawa has no jurisdiction over this territory, according to section 3(2) of Part I of the Solid Waste Management By-law, it could effectively operate a system to collect and treat biological materials in partnership with parliamentary and government institutions. Composting could be included in the Partners for a Green Hill program.

“The government must show the way forward. While millions of people across the country are taking the time to adopt more environmentally-friendly habits, Parliament Hill is falling far behind ordinary Canadians in its waste management practices,” added Boulerice (Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie). “As parliamentarians, we have a responsibility to act. We can and must do better!”

The NDP recently presented an ambitious plan to tackle climate change and create quality jobs. This plan, “Power to Change: A new deal for climate action and good jobs”, stands in contrast to the leadership of the old parties and offers people all the tools they need to reduce their carbon footprint.