NDP MP Don Davies (Vancouver – Kingsway) today criticized the Trudeau government for missing its May 15 deadline to repatriate garbage dumped in the Philippines.(Provided)
Updated: 6:30 PM, May 17, 2019
Vancouver, B.C.
VANCOUVER – NDP MP Don Davies (Vancouver – Kingsway) today criticized the Trudeau government for missing its May 15 deadline to repatriate dozens of containers of rotting trash dumped illegally in the Philippines. The Philippines Government has now recalled its Ambassador and diplomatic staff in response to the dispute.
“The Government of Canada’s actions throughout this matter have been utterly shameful,” said Davies. “Delays and refusals to take responsibility for this environmental offence have been committed by successive Conservative and Liberal governments.
“I once again call on Justin Trudeau to take back the trash, provide compensation, issue an apology, stop the practice of dumping garbage in developing countries, and hold the shippers financially accountable,” added Davies.
From 2013 to 2014, at least 103 containers containing over 2,500 tons of household trash were shipped from Canada to the Philippines. An Ontario-based company falsely claimed the containers held recyclable plastic materials. Instead, the containers were full of rotting trash, paper and even soiled diapers.
The Philippines has since been calling on Canada to take its garbage back. The dispute has prompted protests from environmental activists who say Canada has violated multiple sections of the Basel Convention, a treaty that prohibits shipping waste to developing countries without consent.
“Canada’s reputation in the world is literally being trashed by the Trudeau government’s inaction,” concluded Davies. “It’s time to show some respect to the people of the Philippines by finally cleaning up our own mess.”
Vancouver-Kingsway Member of Parliament, NDP Don Davies held a press conference today to speak about the current ‘diplomatic war’ between Canada and the Philippines. Yesterday, May 16, 2019, the Philippines recalled its Ambassador and consuls in protest against Canada not meeting the deadline to take back its garbage. Have a listen: