EHAQ Current News

Hydro Quebec’s decision to install 3.8 million “smart meters” in homes across the province is an unacceptable proposition from a health standpoint. As such, the Environmental Health Association of Quebec (ASEQ-EHAQ) has been mandated by its 1300 members to voice their concerns regarding the negative repercussions of Hydro Quebec’s unilateral decision.

As of today, thousands of electro-sensitive people throughout Quebec are struggling daily with an insidious illness that triggers or worsens a wide range of symptoms which are for the most part neurological and immunological in nature:

The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the next generation of meters is not only detrimental to the thousands already suffering from electromagnetic hypersensitivity, but is also potentially hazardous to all human beings living in its presence.

We urge the general public to demand a moratorium on the installation of Hydro-Quebec’s next-generation meters as was suggested by MNA Amir Khadir of Quebec Solidaire. Concerned citizens should exercise their democratic rights and not hesitate to contact their local politicians so as to be heard on this vital issue.

We believe that, through the concerted efforts of individuals and groups concerned by public safety, we can calmly and gracefully discuss the issue at once with all invested parties and help overturn Hydro Quebec’s decision. Accordingly, ASEQ-EHAQ would like to salute the contribution of groups such as the Coalition Québécoise de lutte contre la pollution électromagnétique (http://www.cqlpe.ca), the Association Québécoise de lutte contre la pollution atmosphérique (http://www.aqlpa.com) and Sauvons nos enfants des micro-ondes (http://www.dangersemo.com). These groups have made great strides in the battle to stop Hydro-Quebec’s plans, and they have done so through education, basing themselves solely on the facts and on existing scientific data.

Lastly, we kindly ask the Natural Ressources Minister, Mr. Clément Gignac, to broaden the scope of the Régie de l’Énergie’s mandate. We are of the opinion that a debate regarding the potential health risks is mandatory and must take place at once. Since the Régie de l’Énergie will be hearing Hydro Quebec’s formal request to proceed with their plans in the upcoming weeks, common logic dictates that all voices be heard. Consequently, we respectfully request that the appropriate electromagnetic pollution experts be given the opportunity to speak and remit their observations.

About ASEQ-EHAQ
The Mission of the Environmental Health Association of Québec (EHAQ) is the protection of the environment and human health directed towards the individual and the collective by creating awareness, support and education of the population on the protection of the environment from toxic products and pesticides. The objectives are:

To promote ecological solutions and least toxic strategies to preserve our environment for future generations.
Educate the population on environmental sensitivities and ways to minimize exposures to known and suspected toxic substances (toxic products, pesticides, etc) and to promote least toxic strategies to help prevent environmental sensitivities.
Support of people who have environmental sensitivities (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), Electro Magnetic Sensitivity (EMS), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and Fibromyalgia (FM)) by providing information and services to help improve quality of life.
Collaborate in Research and Knowledge Translation addressing links between environmental exposures and health; Research in all aspects of environmental health and environmental sensitivities including underlying mechanisms; diagnostic and treatment methods for environmental sensitivities; and impacts of toxics use reduction.

The Smart Choice is to Say No to

Hydro-Quebec’s “Smart Meters”

Feb 2, 2012 Press Release