“As parents struggle to navigate purchasing decisions during an affordability crisis, we shouldn’t also have to worry about whether kids’ products and toys contain hidden toxics.”
A News Release from Environmental Defence Canada
Posted September 14th, 2026 on Niagara At Large
A Statement from Environmental Defence Canada’s Senior Program Manager Cassie Barker
Toronto, Ontario – Choosing to support Canadian-owned businesses shouldn’t mean exposing kids and families to toxic chemicals.
But, while U.S.-based Dollar Tree has committed to restricting toxic chemicals in products on Canadian shelves, Canada-based Dollarama has made no such commitment. This glaring gap in voluntary action highlights the need for federal intervention.
As parents struggle to navigate purchasing decisions during an affordability crisis, we shouldn’t also have to worry about whether kids’ products and toys contain hidden toxics. And we definitely shouldn’t have to look to American retailers to lead the way to a less toxic future.
Canada’s federal government needs to set stronger rules to keep PFAS, heavy metals, phthalates and other toxics off shelves and out of the hands of our kids. People in Canada deserve a toxic-free future.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Recently, Dollar Tree announced restrictions on the following toxic chemicals in “personal care, cleaning, food packaging, food, children’s products, and toys.”: PFAS, heavy metals like lead and cadmium, flame retardants (HBCD), BPA, formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, VOCs and asbestos.
Other Canadian dollar store brands such as Dollarama have not addressed the chemicals found in our 2022 report, Passing the Buck, which found toxic heavy metals, phthalates, bisphenols and PFAS or “forever chemicals” in children’s products.
Dollarama’s latest Sustainability Report (2026) only commits to “meet Canadian standards and regulatory requirements” (p.11.)
Over 11,300 people have sent letters to the Carney government seeking more protective regulations on toxic plastic, PFAS and harmful chemicals in our products
ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.
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