February 5, 2007
Remarks: Summerhill LCBO/The Beer Store
David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal
Today Ontario is taking a greener step towards environmental protection by reducing…reusing…recycling…and now returning.
Since Premier McGuinty and Minister Broten announced Ontario’s Deposit Return Program in September, I have been extremely pleased and impressed by the many groups that have come together to make today’s announcement possible.
Of course, this includes the Ministry of the Environment, and our Ministry, Public Infrastructure Renewal. But I also have to emphasize the fine work done by both the LCBO and The Beer Store to make “Bag it Back” a reality.
At this time I’d like to thank the LCBO, The Beer Store, as well as Vincor Canada (operator of The Wine Rack) and Andrew Peller Ltd. / Vineyards Estate Wines for participating in the Bag it Back public education campaign, which has been running these past few weeks.
As the Minister overseeing the LCBO, I’m proud of this agency’s commitment to social responsibility and the environment.
Over the past seven years, they have provided over $35 million to municipalities to support the Blue Box Program and they have helped to establish new markets for post-consumer coloured glass.
The LCBO took this leadership role then and will continue that position of leadership as our environmental initiatives continue to evolve.
I would also like to acknowledge The Beer Store for their role in this project.
Our partnership with The Beer Store allows us to capitalize on the success and infrastructure of an existing bottle return system.
It is our hope that, that record will translate into more recovered materials and more containers being recycled into high-end products, such as new glass bottles, fiberglass and polar fleece.
There is no other jurisdiction in North America that has both a widespread, comprehensive Blue Box program and a deposit return program.
Together, with our industry partners and the help of all Ontarians, we will show that these two programs can work side-by-side – and can both be effective… viable…and above all, successful.
Under the new deposit return system, less waste will go into landfills and municipalities will have lower recycling costs.
I join Minister Broten in saying that I am proud to be part of a government that is committed to protecting and improving our environment.
Today is a significant and tangible step in that direction – one that will lead to a safe and clean Ontario – one that will be protected and strengthened for generations to come.
Thank you.
