BY KAHA G.

The Canadian Senate’s recent passage of legislation to address environmental racism marks a significant milestone in Canada’s pursuit of environmental justice. The Environmental Justice Strategy Act requires the government to explore how racial and socio-economic factors influence environmental risks and create a national strategy to address environmental racism. This development has generated widespread celebration among advocates for: social justice, environmental protection, and public health.

To understand the significance of this milestone, it’s essential to know what environmental racism is. Environmental racism refers to the placement of harmful industries and environmental hazards in: Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities, which also have less access to environmental benefits. For a more general definition, the US Environmental Protection Agency defines environmental justice as ensuring all people have equal protection from environmental hazards and equal access to decision-making for a healthy environment.

With that covered, let’s go into the facts. The Environmental Justice Strategy Act requires the Canadian government to explore how racial and socio-economic factors influence environmental risks. It will also create Canada’s first national strategy on environmental racism and environmental justice. This follows a 2020 UN report that highlighted how marginalized groups, especially Indigenous peoples, face unacceptable environmental conditions compared to other Canadians.

Nearly 30 years ago, the United States initiated a similar environmental justice program. Canada’s new law aims to establish equivalent protections. Dr. Ingrid Waldron, a leader in studying environmental racism, stressed that better data collection is essential. She noted that the formal data on environmental racism in Canada is incomplete, leading to a lack of comprehensive understanding of the issue’s severity. According to Dr. Waldron, without proper action, the negative impacts on people’s health and well-being will persist.

Passing the Environmental Justice Strategy Act is a significant step in acknowledging and addressing environmental racism in Canada. The next task is to develop a strategy that reflects the experiences and needs of those most affected. Advocates emphasize the importance of involving these communities in creating effective solutions and call for the government to provide adequate funding for these initiatives.

Bill C-226, which started as Bill C-230, was reintroduced and supported by key political figures, including MP Elizabeth May and Senator Mary Jane McCallum. Its passage was celebrated by several groups, such as: the Canadian Coalition for Environmental and Climate Justice (CCECJ), Environmental Noxiousness, Racial Inequalities and Community Health Project (The ENRICH Project), Black Environmental Initiative (BEI), Breast Cancer Action Québec (BCAQ), Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE), etc.

Before I end this article, I would like to share a quote from one of the group’s reactions to the bill, specifically the Breast Cancer Action Quebec (BCAQ)

“Breast Cancer Action Quebec is thrilled that the Senate has passed the Environmental Justice Strategy Act. And we are even more impressed by the determination of Dr. Ingrid Waldron and her decades long fight to require Canada to formally reckon with its perpetuation of environmental racism. Every day brings examples of corporations egregiously polluting with impunity the air, water and soil of neighboring communities that are most often Indigenous, racialized or low-income. Now Canada will have to map and answer for this treatment.” 

The passage of the Environmental Justice Strategy Act marks a significant milestone in Canada’s pursuit of environmental justice. By acknowledging and addressing environmental racism, Canada can create a healthier and more just environment for all.

BY: MALIAKA BRYCE

This may just be the world’s fastest crash course on rust prevention ever written – well maybe not ever but, by the end of this article you will have learned the basics as it relates to rust on your car and how to handle it.

Rust 101

What is Rust? In simplified terms, when iron meets water and oxygen the result is rust.
Vehicles made with iron based products will eventually show signs of rust. The goal, therefore, is to use protection as a method to extend the life of the vehicle. Most cars will rust in two to three years if unprotected. However, once treated and maintained an average car will show little signs of rust for up to five to six years which happens to be the average length of time most Canadians will keep a vehicle. Preventing rust is important to the potential reselling value of the vehicle and should not be overlooked.

Where Does Rust Start? The paint job is the car’s first line of defense against rust. Once the paint is nicked, scratched or exposed corrosion can start to form in those areas. Rust often forms anywhere two iron parts rub together such as the doors, hinges, etc. The undercarriage of the vehicles is also often prone to rust. Salt, dirt, sand, damp weather, heavy snow, and carbon elements all help to speed up the rate at which the iron will start to rust or corrode.

How to Prevent Rust? These are the three basic steps necessary to increase the life of the vehicle and prevent rust: Keep the car protected/oiled, clean, and dry.

1. Keep it Protected and Oiled: Rust proofing spray/undercoating is currently the most popular method of rust protection used in Canada due to its price point and availability and is recommended for new vehicles. Rust proofing is used in areas that are more visible on the vehicle such as the door, wheel wells, fenders etc. and are available as oils, gels, or waxes that require yearly maintenance. The ceramic application is a new alternative to wax products and is said to be five times stronger than wax and lasts for five years. Undercoating protects the undercarriage of the vehicle or the hidden parts of the car and is often called sealants. There are a variety of brands and price ranges
available for rustproofing and undercoating – additional research is recommended before purchasing a package.
a. Electronic Rust Inhibitors – work well on boats and bridges but have been proven less effective on cars and are often not recommended.
b. Paint protection film products represent the latest in protection technology and are removable, self-healing, stain resistant and often maintenance free.

2. Keep it Clean: It is highly recommended to remove the vehicles dirt, salt and all other elements that increase the corrosion rate of the iron as quickly as possible. Washing all parts of the car including the underbody is necessary to prolong the life of the protection option chosen. Use baking soda and not dish-washing soap.

3. Keep It Dry: Once cleaned, the vehicles must be properly dried and kept out of moisture. Store your vehicles inside when ever possible or use a car tarp or tent to protect from heavy snowfall or rain. Keep water away from your vehicle.

You now know the basics of rust prevention. How many of these suggestions will you adopt in your everyday routine? Do you have other rust proofing ideas? We want to hear from you.

BY: MALIAKA BRYCE

The 45th president of the United States has been sworn in and whether you agree with his politics or not, it’s fair to say that Trump has already made a huge impact on the world with his endless smiles and fabulous hair.  All jokes aside, many members of the Canadian Auto Industry are anxiously holding their breath to see how the Trump effect will impact us here in Canada.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Trump has stated he is working to revitalize the American auto industry by encouraging more manufacturing within America and adding heavy taxes and/or tariffs to all imported auto parts or vehicles coming into the country. Trump’s spokesperson Sean Spicer stated “When a company that’s in the U.S. moves to a place, whether it’s Canada, or Mexico, or any other country seeking to put U.S. workers at a disadvantage, then Trump is going to do everything he can to deter that,”

2. Roughly 10% of American cars are made in Canada although many of the parts used in Canadian plants are imported from all over the world including Mexico. Canada is home to five major automakers that assemble vehicles and export to the tune of $60-billion worth of cars, crossovers and minivans to the United States last year.

This year the Canadian Auto Industry was making plans to expand with Honda Motors recently announced they will be driving $400,000 million dollars into the Alliston Ontario plant.

3. Trump has also promised to make changes to the current NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) between Canada, America and Mexico. Trump’s spokesman Sean Spicer said that Trump planned decisive trade moves in the coming days. He said Trump would issue an executive order on NAFTA and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, but didn’t say specifically whether he would serve notice of the U.S. intent to withdraw.

According to industry analyst Dennis DesRosiers,“It is increasingly likely these acts will lead to a renegotiation of NAFTA that will reduce or eliminate protectionist measures exempted from NAFTA. “nixing NAFTA or imposing a Mexican tariff could seriously hurt North American auto sales and the Canadian automotive sector as a whole. Even scarier is the fact the industry may be first on Trump’s policy targets list, says DesRosiers.

The Bottom Line: Trump has Canada stumped. It’s very much a wait-and-see type situation.

DesRosiers predicts “the reaction from automakers could go two ways: they could simply move production back to the U.S.; or they could “price to the tariff,” meaning they could jack up prices to cover the tax. The latter would hurt both consumers and automakers”.

What’s my two cents, I’m glad you asked – as a former auto sales representative, Van Dusen Chevrolet, Buick GMC Brand ambassador, in my opinion if you need a new car within the next year or so go ahead and buy it umm… let’s say now because chances are prices are likely to go up by 15-45% within the year. The cost of parts will likely be on the rise as well so if your emergency fund is not yet filed to the brim – go ahead and buy that extended warranty or you could always take an auto mechanics course and DIY with some chewing gum and a wire clothes hanger like my Dad used to do.    

We want to hear your take on the issue. Do you work in the Canadian auto Industry?  How has the Trump administration affected you and your work environment? What issues or concerns are you facing?