By David Klassen
The Province of Manitoba is leading an effort followed by the federal government to ban phosphorus from consumer products effective July 1, 2010.
Water Stewardship Minister Christine Melnick made the announcement Friday, which would see the ban of dishwashing detergent containing phosphorus.
The national ban affecting household dishwasher and dishwashing detergent containing more than 0.5 per cent phosphorus is consistent with the measures contained in Manitoba’s Phosphorus Reduction Act passed in June 2008.
Similar legislation was passed in Quebec and lobbying by the Canadian Specialty Products Association prompted the federal government to introduce national standards on this product.
“Manitobans understand the importance of taking action to improve and protect water,” Melnick said. “Protecting water for future generations is a responsibility we must all take seriously.”
