While it is good to know that CFCs are being collected and responsibly disposed of, why is it that the fire protection industry is not required to show the same stewardship for halons. Since the industry has had the same time to make plans as the industry dealing with CFCs, you and your colleagues in provincial Ministries of the Environment need to regulate the fire protection industry to minimize and avoid the ultimate release of ozone-depleting substances to the environment.
The recovery of the ozone layer seems to be possible by 2050 if we take all the steps laid out by the Montreal Protocol. But 45 years for recovery could be shortened if we do everything we can to avoid release of ozone depleting chemicals. To protect us against increasing incidences of skin cancer, eye diseases and other health effects, please act now on halons.
If Canada is to host the 2007 Meeting of the Parties on this important agreement, you should make sure that we are a leader and not a laggard on all the provisions of the agreement. While there are accomplishments to note on saving the ozone layer, clearly there is still a lot to do. What is your government's plan to comply with the Montreal Protocol's commitments? What about halons and methyl bromide - both ozone depletors where Canada still permits use.