THE PULSE
NEWSLETTER OF THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF RECYCLING INDUSTRIES
VOLUME 19, No. 11, November 2014
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Early this month CARI became aware of a private member’s bill in Quebec that once again places the responsibility for metal theft on scrap dealers. Among other things, ill 193, “An Act to regulate ferrous and non-ferrous metal transactions and recycling,” proposes a licensing system for scrap metal dealers, and would require them to collect and record ID from sellers. It restricts the purchase of cable wire that has been stripped of insulated coating or appears to have had identifying marks removed. Inspectors would be appointed and authorized to seize and forfeit material. The bill also provides for penal sanctions against dealers who do not comply.
The bill was presented for first reading before the National Assembly last month by Marc Carriere, an opposition Member of the National Assembly. While it is possible that this bill could become law in Quebec, it is not government legislation and therefore it is unlikely to be passed.
Nevertheless, there is concern that the bill could have a negative impact on the industry. CARI staff has discussed the issue with a Quebec-region board member, and plans to consult further with Quebec members on the matter. We hope also to meet with M. Carriere to educate him on the industry.
CARI has fought similar legislation in three other provinces and several municipalities. As with most attempts at metal theft legislation, this bill wrongly focusses on regulating the scrap metal dealers and not on deterring or punishing the criminals.
Having a national voice to speak on our industry’s behalf is one of the great benefits of CARI membership. As always, I encourage members to contact CARI staff with local issues like this. We will continue to keep members up to date on the progress (if any) of this bill. In the coming year, CARI is investing in legislative monitoring services to keep abreast of Canadian legislation that could affect our members’ businesses.
Adam Chisick,
CARI Chair
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AN INDUSTRY LOSS
James (Jim) Koen
1953-2014
It is with deep regret that CARI informs members of the passing of Jim Koen. As former President of Liebherr Canada Ltd, Jim was a well-respected businessman and supporter of the Canadian recycling industry. He leaves behind his wife Christina; brothers Bill and Rick; sister Donna; children Cara, Michael, Ashley, and Lindsay; as well as his nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
CARI staff and its members send their deepest sympathy to Jim’s family, friends and colleagues. He will be missed.
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FAST FACTS
- The Basel Action Network announced this month that it would support exports of select “high-end electronics” for refurbishment and reuse and would allow a more liberal the interpretation of laptop and battery waste determinations under the Basel Convention.
- The number of product categories covered by extended producer responsibility systems in Canada has nearly tripled over the past five years, according to a report by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. The CCME introduced its Canada-wide Action Plan for EPR in 2009. At the time, there were 33 programs in Canada; now there are 94 product categories covered by EPR programs or requirements.
- BIR’s recent Round-Table Sessions in Paris had over 1000 registered participants from 54 countries in attendance. The convention included representatives from the recycling industry, international machine and equipment manufacturers, and 18 guest speakers.
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Canadian Association of Recycling Industries
130 Albert Street Suite 1906
Ottawa, On K1P 5G4
Canada
Telephone: 613-728-6946
Fax: 705-835-6196