April 26, 2007

Submission to the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly

Introduction
The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) is the professional organization for registered nurses who practice in all roles and sectors across Ontario. Our mandate is to advocate for healthy public policy and for the role of nursing in shaping and delivering health services. RNAO is pleased to present this submission on Bill 164, the Community Right to Know Act, 2006, to the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly.

Ontario’s RNs concerns include: health promotion, disease prevention, and illness care. We must shift our health care system’s orientation to wellness and prevention. This includes reducing our exposure to toxins.

Recommendations
RNAO urges Committee members to support Bill 164, with the following amendments:

• Include in the pollutant inventory any other data and reports that the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario deems appropriate.
• Ensure the pollutant inventory is searchable by facility or installation.