Notice of objection filed by Michelle Hunter

May 30, 2010

Leif Stephanson
Gasoline Regulations – Competition Vehicle Exemption
Oil, Gas and Alternative Energy Division
Environment Canada
351 St. Joseph Boulevard, 9^th Floor
Gatineau QC
K1A 0H3

Lead is a known dangerous toxin!

Throughout the world, lead has been reduced or eliminated in products such as: paint, blinds, toys, fishing sinkers and ammunition, only to name a few. The health impact of lead exposure affects all living beings and can be deadly.

Why is Environment Canada, with the assistance of Health Canada, proposing to extend the use of leaded fuel in Canada at competitive racing events? Why are they attempting to leave it in use for an undetermined period?

Leaded fuel has been banned in Canada for 18 years but continues to flourish because of Environment Canada’s repeated amendments.

There have not been any technical or economic reasons to extend the use of this contaminated substance since non-leaded fuel has been available and performing in racing vehicles worldwide and in North America since 1992. Conversion of vehicles from lead to unlead has proven simple and cost efficient. A Canadian Company manufactures it. All leaded racing fuel is imported!

Environment Canada and Health Canada performed air sample testing and have yet to publish the results or release them to the public. Why?

Environment Canada has issued letters to Importers of leaded fuel stating that no enforcement will take place although it is illegal.

Alberta Fuel Distributing (Racing Division) is in possession of such a letter. The Environment of Canada Enforcement Division writes that they will not enforce the ban on lead fuel nor will Canada Customs.

It is shameful for Environment Canada and Health Canada to promote the use of such a dangerous and toxic product. Not all racers are adults. Some are children and teenagers. Spectators are of all ages. Everyone attending these racing events are exposed to toxins emitted from the leaded fuel.

Engines running on leaded fuel are contaminated. When parts are replaced and disposed of at landfill sites, soil and water is polluted. Lead oxide is exhausted into our water supply when racing boats are using leaded fuel.

For Environment Canada to infer that racing will cease to exist in Canada when the use of leaded racing fuel at competitive events is prohibited is inaccurate. When lead was removed from paint, painters continued to paint. When lead was removed from fishing sinkers, anglers continued to fish. When leaded racing fuel is abolished, racers will continue to race.

Lead is a known dangerous toxin!

I strongly object to your proposed “Regulations Amending the Gasoline Regulations”

Sincerely,

M. Michelle Hunter