Community Right to Know: Campaign History
ChemTRAC Phase 3 report is released - Community Right to Know Bylaw is fully implemented!
Phase 3 of ChemTRAC signals the final stage of implementing the landmark Community Right to Know program!
In addition to all of the earlier reporters to ChemTRAC, businesses such as textile and clothing manufacturers, metal and electrical manufacturers, transportation support industries in ports, harbours, airports and vehicle towing now report to ChemTRAC. Toronto Public Health releases the Phase 3 report on June 30, highlighting 8 'Substances of Highest Concern' to our health.
ChemTRAC releases Phase 2 report
In addition to Phase 1 businesses, ChemTRAC now collects chemical data for businesses such as dry cleaners, laboratories, autobody shops, funeral services, waste management and chemical wholesalers.
Toronto Public Health releases the second annual ChemTRAC report on June 11th. Phase 2 chemical data has identifies key focus areas for 2013 including cancer prevention, toxics reduction, air quality studies, and prioritizing communities facing a double health burden (environmental justice).
ChemTRAC releases Phase 1 report
The ChemTRAC program releases the first annual ChemTRAC report! The Phase 1 Report includes the use and release of 25 priority toxic substances across Toronto by businesses including chemical manufacturers, food & beverage manufacturers, wood industries like furniture and paper producers, printers, waste/water treatment, and power generation.
TEA, along with members and community partners, attends the Toronto Board of Health meeting on the ChemTRAC report on Monday June 25th 2012 in order to learn more about next steps and offer support for this groundbreaking program.
ChemTRAC is launched
Phase 1 of the Community Right to Know ByLaw begins! Local businesses begin reporting their use of 25 priority substances to the ChemTRAC program.
TEA victory! City council votes YES to CRTK By-law
On December 3rd, 2008, Toronto City Council votes for a precedent-setting toxics disclosure policy. With an overwhelming vote of 33-3, Toronto becomes the first city that require businesses - from dry cleaners to funeral homes and auto-body repair shops - to reveal their discharges of 25 priority chemicals.
The Community Right to Know By-law (CRTK) will be phased in over four years starting in 2010.
TEA launches "Secrecy is Toxic"
TEA launches the “Secrecy is Toxic” website as an online engagement tool, enabling community members to raise concerns and investigate unidentified sources of toxic chemicals used and released by small businesses.
This website is a major step in the campaign to get City Council to adopt a Community Right to Know By-law, which would give Torontonians the rightful access to information about toxic chemical use and release in their neighborhoods.
TEA creates Toxics in Toronto map
TEA releases a map of Toronto showing reported toxic releases, which identifies the most polluted neighbourhoods in the city. The map shows over 7000 tonnes of pollution released to our air, land and water from over 200 industries in 2003. TEA also creates Toxics Ward-by-Ward info sheets.
TEA creates the Citizen's Guide to Community to Right to Know
In collaboration with the United Steelworker's Union and the Toronto Cancer Prevention Coalition, TEA creates a Citizen's Guide to Community Right to Know.
Campaign begins!
TEA begins advocating for a Environmental Reporting and Disclosure By-Law in Toronto.