A presentation to Hawkesbury town council by an anti water fluoridation activist led to some questions and discussion at the April 14 meeting.
Naturopath Gilles Parent claimed there is no legal jurisdiction over which level of government and which departments oversee the addition of fluoride to municipal water. Expert studies for decades have shown that fluoride added to municipal water could contribute to better dental health in residents who consume it. Meanwhile, other studies and activists have alleged fluoride is harmful to human health.
Parent told council that drinking water systems are regulated by provincial governments through their ministries of the environment, but Health Canada does not regulate the addition of fluoride to water.
Following Parent’s presentation, Councillor Yves Paquette asked: “If there’s no regulation by anyone, what about companies like Crest, Colgate and dentists?” In reference to the fluoride added to toothpaste and used by dentists.
Parent said those products are regulated by Health Canada, but fluoride added to municipal water is not.
Another man, who did not identify himself, approached the microphone beside Parent and alleged the fluoride being used in municipal water has not been approved by Health Canada.
Paquette said the town needs to be responsible for this and address the issue with both the provincial and federal health departments.
Charlebois suggested inviting Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) Medical Officer of Health Dr. Paul Roumeliotis to make a presentation about water fluoridation to council.
Charlebois said she wants to compare both sides of the story but personally has no doubts about the merits of fluoridation.
Paquette agreed, but noted the Medical Officer of Health will be supportive of fluoridation, and the real issue is regulation. He preferred to only address the questions of regulation with the provincial and federal governments.
“Who is responsible?” he said.
Councillor Raymond Campbell asked for more details about fluoridation in Hawkesbury.
Environmental Services Superintendent Martin Perron said the chemical used is a type of acid purchased in 250-kilogram barrels.
Councillor Tony Tsourounakis said he would rather defer to experts on the subject, but he noted scientific support is not unanimous either.
“It’s going to be difficult to have a definitive answer,” he remarked.
Mayor Robert Lefebvre agreed and said people could spend months and years researching the topic online.
“It’s a matter of dispute. There’s scientific evidence on both sides,” he said.
Lefebvre said municipal water is fluoridated for about 76 per cent of Ontario residents and has been removed in European countries. He agreed with the suggestions for further inquiry with Dr. Roumeliotis.
“I know there have been some big decisions made in the US, but the US is not case law here in Canada.”
Water from the Hawkesbury system is also distributed to Champlain Township’s water systems in Vankleek Hill and L’Orignal.
Fluoridation was discontinued in several boroughs and towns in the West Island area of Montréal in 2024.
Original article online at: https://thereview.ca/2025/04/25/questions-about-fluoride-at-hawkesbury-council/