Dear OTS Stakeholders,

Following the release of the proposed Waste Reduction Act, the Government of Ontario has announced that it will be hosting a series of Regional consultations on the proposed legislation. The original notice is included below and Stakeholders are invited to register to attend as they choose. Note that the deadline for registration is July 8th, 2013, and a registration e-mail is provided.

Regards,
The OTS Team

As you may be aware, on June 6^th, 2013, Ontario’s Minister of the Environment introduced Bill 91, the proposed Waste Reduction Act, to establish a new regime for the reduction, reuse and recycling of waste. At the same time, a draft Waste Reduction Strategy was released for public comments, which provides a blue print for the implementation of the Act, if passed.

If passed, the proposed Waste Reduction Act, along with a draft Waste Reduction Strategy would form the cornerstone of a long-term effort to increase waste diversion and protect consumers.

Your views and input are important in proceeding with this initiative. The Ministry is committed to consult with a wide range of stakeholders on the proposed approach. As part of our consultation process, I would like to invite you to participate in a regional consultation session to discuss the proposed Act and the draft Strategy.

This consultation will provide you with information on the proposed Act and draft Strategy, as well as with an opportunity to share with the Ministry your perspectives on the proposed approach.

The Ministry has scheduled several regional consultation sessions, which are identified below. Please identify your three preferred choices from the following sessions:

REGIONAL CONSULTATION SESSION DATES & LOCATIONS

Toronto Sessions, located at 900 Bay Street, Macdonald Block:
Session 1: Monday, July 15, 9:00am – 12:00pm (Huron Room)
Session 2: Monday, July 15, 1:00pm – 4:00pm (Huron Room)
Session 3: Wednesday, July 17, 9:00am – 12:00pm (Ontario Room SOUTH)
Session 4: Wednesday, July 17, 1:00pm – 4:00pm (Ontario Room SOUTH) 

London Session, located at 251 Dundas Street (London Public Library, Central Branch):
Session 5: Tuesday, July 16, 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Thunder Bay Session, located at 189 Red River Road, Auditorium “A”, Main Floor:
Session 6: Tuesday, July 30, 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Ottawa Session, location to be confirmed in our confirmation e-mail:
Session 7: Thursday, August 15, 1:00pm – 4:00pm

If you would like to attend, please RSVP with your name and contact information by July 8, 2013 by sending an email to Zarnaaz.miran@ontario.ca indicating the session number of your top three ranked sessions, and we will do our best to accommodate your top choice. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with the date, location and meeting materials.

If you are not able to attend, you still have the opportunity to provide your comments on the proposed Act and draft Strategy through the Environmental Registry. The Environmental Bill of Rights registry number for the proposed Act is 011-9260 and the registry number for the draft Strategy is 011-9262. The postings will be open for comment until September 4, 2013.

I am looking forward to your participation and to hearing your perspectives on the proposed waste reduction framework.

Sincerely,

Greg Sones,
Director, Waste Management Policy Branch
Ontario Ministry of the Environment