More wilderness areas have been preserved as parks than ever before to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy them in their pristine state. Many of our members' jobs in the transportation and tourism industries in B.C. depend on maintaining the beauty of the province. The Clean Fuels and Clean Vehicles Regulations will do a great deal to ensure that pollution in the province, especially in the Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley area is reduced. Commuter rail, employing our members on VIA Rail, has been introduced from Mission to Vancouver, reducing pollution in the Valley and the Lower Mainland. Combined with declining enforcement of environmental laws, the land, air, and water systems in Ontario will continue to be harmed by corporations with impunity.
Corporations pollute the air inside workplaces as well.
Many of our members have died or suffered serious occupational diseases as a result of their work. Cancers caused by exposure to metalworking fluids, asthma from isocyanate exposure, multiple chemical sensitivities from contaminated air in hospitals, silicosis from mining, and brain damage from exposure to lead and solvents, are but a few of the grave consequences of the work our members perform. A significant number of workplace hazards are also hazards to the environment. If we can prevent pollution within our workplaces, we can prevent pollution of the environment. The new Earth Day poster and a Day of Mourning poster will be mailed out to every CAW local union and workplace to ensure that there will be visible recognition of these issues in your workplaces.