Students Ask Government of Ontario to Ban Bottled Water

Nearly 100 municipalities and eight school boards have already banned bottled water.

The Canadian Federation of Students is celebrating its second annual Bottled Water Free Day by asking the McGuinty Government to be like Nova Scotia.

The Government of Nova Scotia banned the sale of bottled water from its government facilities in April of 2010, and Sandy Hudson of the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario feels it’s time to follow suit.

“Consumption of bottled water not only creates enormous waste, it represents the privatization of a basic human right,” said Hudson.

“Students are calling on the Ontario government to follow Nova Scotia’s lead and go back to the tap.”

To date, nearly 100 municipalities, four municipal associations, eight school boards, 12 university campuses and many workplaces have kicked the bottle by phasing out the sale or distribution of bottled water.

“Providing water at meetings and improving drinking fountain infrastructure will not only reduce waste, it will also save the government money,” said Hudson.

“Bottled water is much more expensive than tap water, and will save the Ontario government potentially millions of dollars.”

The University of Victoria and King’s University are recognizing the day by announcing their own bans on the sale of bottled water.

Schools mentioned: The University of Victoria, The King’s University College