CAW D.R.E.C. is composed of members of CAW locals operating in the Greater Toronto Area: Local 80 (Scarborough), Local 112 (Downsview), Local 222 (Oshawa), Local 370 (Stouffville), Local 524 (Peterborough), Local 584 (Bramalea), Local 1136 (Oshawa), Local 1090 (Ajax), Local 1987 (Peterborough), and Local 1996 (Peterborough).

Many of D.R.E.C.’s members are autoworkers, employed by Big Three corporations and associated feeder plants. Some of our members work in aircraft and electrical assembly. Others are in service industries, or are clerical workers.

D.R.E.C. members also include interested individuals from the community at large – representatives from other environmental groups, as well as people who are concerned about environmental issues in general.

A survey of D.R.E.C. membership reveals wide-ranging environmental concerns. A few of these are:

• Air, Water and Soil Contamination
• Occupational Exposure to Carcinogens
• Nuclear Safety
• Land Stewardship
• Wetlands Preservation
• Protection of the Great Lakes

PESTICIDE REDUCTION

• CAW D.R.E.C. developed an information package outlining dangers of using commercial insecticides, herbicides and fungicides, and suggesting ‘kitchen sink’ alternatives to the dangerous toxins.
• We are presently lobbying regional Municipal Governments to enact an pesticide by-law.,
• We gathered signatures for our Petition to the House of Commons in support of Bill C-267, which asks for a moratorium on the cosmetic use of chemical pesticides.

PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS

• In cooperation with the CAW Eastern Women’s Network, CAW D.R.E.C. organized and hosted a public information forum dealing with symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer specifically, but including other forms of cancer as well.

CANCER PREVENTION CONFERENCE IN OSHAWA

• We brought in Elizabeth May of the Sierra Club and three other guest speakers to tell us how to raise the bar on cancer prevention. Regional Cancer prevention organizations set up displays during the event. This was the starting seed for the Durham Cancer Prevention Coalition.

Re: L.O.H.R.

• As workers and as members of an education-oriented labour organisation, D.R.E.C. members have knowledge and practical experience of hazardous workplace chemicals. We recognise the connection between these chemicals and the onset of diseases like cancer, asthma and dermatitis.
• A committee has been formed to determine how a Lifetime Occupational History Registry can be introduced and staffed at Durham Regional Cancer Centres.

I.T.E.R. INFO

• Questioning the wisdom of the International Thermonuclear Experimental (Fusion) Reactor being proposed for Darlington, we organized a Public Information Forum. Speakers David Martin (Sierra Club) and Brian Charlton (former provincial NDP representative) outlined the dangers of embracing a mega-project whose safety could not be guaranteed, and whose expected benefits are purely theoretical.

CAW D.R.E.C. served as a “local partner” in setting up several information sessions (similar to the Prostate Cancer and Kyoto forums we have organized in previous years) dealing with well water safety.

Since a good many of our Local CAW members rely on wells for their families’ potable water, and since the safety of this source can no longer be taken for granted, we DREC members feel we would be offering a valuable service to the larger CAW membership in helping to set up these forums.

The Green Communities Association is a not-for-profit organization funded by Natural Resources Canada. This organization offers home and community environmental services in a growing number of municipalities throughout Ontario and the rest of Canada. Green Communities is well-established, having been in operation since the early 1990s, and they arrange delivery of community services through local partnerships with environmental organizations within the community. Activities of the Green Communities Association are a natural fit with our Regional Environment Council.

We are sending a group to the Ottawa National Capitol Race for the second time to raise awareness towards the need for Cancer Prevention initiatives. There are numerous events for people of all ages and abilities, from 2K Family Walk/Runs all the way up to Full Marathons (42.2K!) for runners, in-line skaters and wheelchair athletes. Free Bus to Ottawa! Thanks to the CAW Local 222 Executive Board, we have access to a 55 seat coach with nice seats, bathroom and a cargo area all for free. We have a special rate for accommodations. Anyone in the Durham area is welcome to take the bus with us as a R.W.R. participant.

The funds raised from the Third Annual Run, Walk & Roll for Cancer Prevention will be allocated to two major projects:

"To build and sustain a Canada-wide movement to generate both the resolve and the plan of action to eliminate preventable causes of cancer and other chronic diseases. Under the banner of Prevent Cancer Now, this initiative is already under way, spearheaded by Angela Rickman of Ottawa.

To convene a participatory, action-oriented conference for cancer prevention in Spring 2007, which will gather a wide range of skills and experience, inspire participants, and continue building, with Prevent Cancer Now, a strong Canadian movement for cancer prevention and environmental health promotion.

40% of the funds we raise will come right back into my own community so that we can continue to work our own Cancer Prevention Coalition in Durham similar to Toronto’s. Over 50 of us from Durham went to last year’s and we had a blast. We raised over $20,657 dollars collectively, with 40% = $8,500 coming back to Durham to used for Cancer Prevention initiatives spearheaded by the CAW Durham Regional Environment Council for the new forming Durham Cancer Prevention Coalition.

Re: E.P.R.

• D.R.E.C. members embrace the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility. We disapprove of sending products which have reached the end of their useful life to a landfill site, and endorse the idea of manufacturer responsibility for reclaiming, disassembling and recycling used materials.
• D.R.E.C. members are compiling information specific to the auto industry which can be used to lobby auto makers and governments.

We are aware that there has been noticeable climate change over the last decade, and are concerned about health, social and economic issues that are developing as a result. D.R.E.C. members are particularly aware of evidence linking auto emissions (and pollution from production processes) with global warming.

We have sent letters to the Prime Minister and the Minister of the Environment, urging the federal government to devise a workable plan for reducing greenhouse gases.

We are planning a vigorous campaign to raise public awareness of this global situation, to identify the most serious problems, and to propose practical solutions at the community level. Our first step in this direction has been to invite CAW Economist Jim Stanford to Local 222 Hall in Oshawa for a public information forum in January 21st, 2003.

• In pursuit of D.R.E.C. goals, members engage in letter-writing campaigns to the various levels of government. We also form deputations and present reports (or simply express opinions) at Town Hall Meetings and other public consultation events.
• Most D.R.E.C. members are also members of other environmental or community groups. As such, we act as liaisons between our labour-oriented Council and other environmental organisations.
• Research into environmental issues is a large part of our activism. This makes us a useful community resource as a repository of information.
• Heightening awareness of environmental issues in our respective workplaces is one of our most important, ongoing functions.