Letter: Teen wants warning labels on local gas pumps

The West Antarctic ice sheet, when it melts completely, will raise the global sea level by about five metres.

The first step in addressing any problem is to face it honestly. However, online comments indicate to me that some people are not ready to face the change. The federal government used to have public education about climate change. The Harper government is using tax dollars to peddle tar sands oil across the globe.

Canadians need to be shaken out of their complacency with regards to the climate crisis. Since our federal government appears to be ignoring the urgency of the situation, it will be up to municipalities and the provinces to take action for the time being.

On May 5, 16-year-old Emily Kelsall of West Vancouver convinced her city council to put warning labels on gas pumps.

I would like for all candidates in the upcoming municipal election to support the City of Greater Sudbury using its legal authority to require gasoline retailers to put warning labels on gas pumps, similar to those found on cigarette packages.

Municipalities are able to do this under the authority of their licensing powers and general health and welfare powers found in the Municipal Act.

Let’s be the first city in Ontario to pass a law requiring warning label on gas pumps.

Salina Mathur
Sudbury