Liberal MNA urges action on PFAS contamination with new bill

Quebec MNA Virginie Dufour has tabled a bill to establish a framework for the detection, regulation and reduction of what is known as 'forever chemicals.'

Quebec Liberal Virginie Dufour has tabled a bill at the National Assembly to establish a framework for the detection, regulation and reduction of what is known as “forever chemicals.”

In a recent interview, the MNA said there is currently no mechanism in place to identify perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water.

“This bill actually will put mandatory testing for municipalities to test drinking water before distributing it to citizens,” Dufour explained.

She added that PFAS-containing products often end up in landfills, where they can release contaminates into surrounding bodies of water, including rivers.

“So, we need to have a clear view of the global situation so we can act and make sure we’re not drinking PFAS,” she said.

These toxic substances have been linked to cancer, immune dysfunction, and reproductive harm. They also persist in the water, soil and even human bodies for decades.

Under Bill 995, Quebec would be required to collect samples across the province, with participation from municipalities and drinking water or landfill operators.

The government would then issue a report and set enforceable regulatory standards, including maximum thresholds and mandatory follow-up testing.

The legislation also includes penalties for non-compliance by municipalities and operators.

“The problem here is that the government is not acting because we know the risk. We have known the risks for a few years now,” Dufour emphasized.

“In United States, for example, they have set concentration limits, which we have not yet done in Quebec.”

Dufour also calls for Quebec to join the “international wave” of legal action against PFAS manufacturers.

“Municipalities that are currently living with the PFAS contamination are asking help from the government, and they’ve not found it yet. So, I really hope this bill will put more pressure on the government to act finally,” Defour said.

Additionally, Dufour said the bill is not intended to put pressure on municipalities and that the manufacturers should cover related costs of forever chemicals.

With files from the Canadian Press