e-1709 (Drinking water)

Petition to the Government of Canada

• The distribution of bottled water is a known detriment to the environment and also encourages and fosters a lack of consciousness and respect for the environment;
• If bottled water was to be banned from being provided in Canadian government buildings, it would encourage those who frequent these buildings to adopt a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach;
• It also would place the government in a position of leadership when it comes to the environment which would potentially lead as an example for outside companies and organizations to follow in the footsteps of the government;
• Many institutions such as Queen’s University and the University of Ottawa have already adopted this approach and have provided alternatives such as the installation of more water fountains and bottle refill stations;
• Government buildings should engage in the practice of installing more water fountains as well as the sale of reusable water bottles; and
• It cannot be ignored that there are some locations where local water sources are not safe for human consumption, which is why this petition provides that distribution of bottled water in government building only be prohibited where the local water source is safe to consume.