To initiate research and increase awareness of the importance of strong environmental laws

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) continues to work collaboratively with its partners, members, and stakeholders to promote and to preserve strong environmental laws that benefit Ontario’s populations.

Action

Over the course of the year, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) has been engaged in a number of consultations relating to a range of environmental issues. Included among these are RNAO’s:

Endorsement of a letter calling for an expansion of temporary bikeways in Toronto

Endorsement of a letter calling for gas-fired power plants to be phased-out in Ontario.

Participation, along with transit advocacy organizations, in a call to Ontario Ministry of Finance urging expansion of funding for transit.

Endorsement, along with 51 other organizations, of a joint letter calling for a much more comprehensive response to waste and recycling, including coverage of all sectors and financial and operational responsibility of producers for products after use (i.e., extended producer responsibility).

Submission to Toronto City Council in support of Transform Yonge, a proposal for active transit (e.g., expanded pedestrian space and bike lanes), on Yonge Street in the north end of the city.

Participation in a successful social media campaign to appeal for the federal government to conduct an environmental assessment on controversial Highway 413.

Participation in a successful social media campaign for a protected bike lane along the midtown section of Toronto’s Yonge Street.