Toronto City Councillors’ Stances on Water Fluoridation in Toronto
Over the past few months, concerned citizens (including myself and Danny) have been contacting Toronto City Councillors regarding their stances on water fluoridation. While some were quite forthcoming with their thoughts, sadly, exactly half were completely silent on the issue. The city councillors who did not respond were contacted at least 2-3 times via e-mail and/or telephone, but still would not disclose a stance. Some also said they would respond, but never did, and others refused to respond unless I provided them with my telephone number and home address.
Of those forthcoming, several were concerned about the health risks associated with drinking artificially fluoridated water. For example, Jaye Robinson stated, “I’m concerned about the issue and, personally, I use a water filter at home”. Ron Moeser also stated, “I have been keeping up-to-date on this issue and have concerns with some of the possible health issues related to fluoridation”.
Other councillors, although undecided, wanted to learn more about the issue and asked that I provide them with information. Josh Matlow’s secretary asked that I send more information about the pros and cons of water fluoridation so that the councillor could make an evidence-based decision. Paula Fletcher’s secretary also said that Councillor Fletcher thinks it would be useful for the staff to gather more information and study fluoridation to ensure that it is not harmful given the public’s concern. Of course it would have been ideal for city councillors to research water fluoridation before voting on it in 2011! But at least some are willing to examine the issue now.
Out of Toronto’s 22 city councillors who responded, only 6 expressed concerns about the artificial fluoridation of Toronto’s public water supply or an interest in learning more about it, and therefore, the majority supported it. The common thread among water fluoridation supporters was deference to Toronto’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, rather than an understanding of the peer-reviewed research pertaining to its health effects or efficacy in preventing dental decay.
Below is a table of each Toronto City Councillor’s stance on Water Fluoridation. With the municipal election fast approaching now is a great opportunity to effect positive change. Please contact your city councillors and let them know how you feel about their stances (or lack thereof) on water fluoridation in Toronto, and vote accordingly! This blog post will be updated if any councillors respond after it is posted.
Concerned About Water Fluoridation
Undecided
Supports Water Fluoridation
No Response
Jaye Robinson
Mary-Margaret McMahon
Mike Del Grande
Ron Moeser
Frank DiGorgio
Josh Matlow
Paula Fletcher
Gary Crawford
Raymond Cho
Peter Leon
Gord Perks
Gloria Lindsay Lubay
Ana Bailao
Peter Milczyn
Joe Mihevc
Mark Grimes
John Filion
James Pasternack
Pam McConnell
Frances Nunziata
Shelley Carrol
Sarah Doucette
Michelle Berardinetti
Chin Lee
Vincent Crisanti
Mike Layton
Doug Ford
Adam Vaughan
Giorgio Mammoliti
David Shiner
Anthony Peruzza
John Parker
Maria Augimeri
Kristyn Wong-Tam
Josh Colle
Mary Fragedakis
Karen Stinz
Janet Davis
Michael Thompson
Glen De Baeremaeker
Cesar Palacio
Denzil Minnan Wong
Norm Kelly
Paul Ainslee
Here is a link to the councillors' office contact information, and you can find many of them on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Please contact them and let them know how you feel about their position on artificial water fluoridation in Toronto, as well as why you think it should be halted!