Calgary councillor wants more debate on re-introduction to fluoride
Posted Jul 25, 2023 7:11 pm.
Last Updated Jul 25, 2023 7:14 pm.
Calgary Ward 10 councillor Andre Chabot wants to re-open the debate over adding fluoride to Calgary’s water system.
That’s despite the fact 62 percent of Calgarians voted in favour of the re-introduction of fluoride nearly two years ago.
Recently, the city estimated the cost of that move has nearly tripled from around $10 million to over $28 million.
The timeline has also been pushed, with this year’s fluoride re-introduction now slated for September 2024.
Read More: Calgary’s fluoride implementation more costly, delayed
The councillor is advocating for subsidies and support for low-income families using alternative treatments.
“I think there are better immediate solutions than fluoride to provide some of the needs for our children from a dental health perspective and alternatives that don’t impose that on to the entire population on something that’s a necessity of life,” he told reporters at City Hall Tuesday.
In addition, Chabot claims there are cheaper, more effective ways to ensure the dental health of Calgarians.
“There’s a way forward that doesn’t require us putting fluoride to water our plants and flush our toilets that could have a much better positive outcome,” Chabot said.
He also feels a plebiscite was not the right avenue to make the decision, adding constituents expect their elected officials better to grasp the facts in such a complex issue.
Fluoride was removed from the city’s water system in 2011.
-With files from Lauryn Heintz
