Petition by RFK Jr. fan pushes Montreal to stop putting fluoride in drinking water
Municipal officials in Montreal have made the decision to discontinue water fluoridation on the island, following a petition from a resident that received support from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The council representing Montreal and its suburban municipalities on the island voted to halt the practice of adding fluoride to the water in six West Island suburbs that have been fluoridating their water since the 1950s.
The city’s water department had initially proposed to stop fluoridation earlier this year, citing cost as one of the reasons. However, public health officials advocate for the use of fluoride in water as an effective method to reduce tooth decay. Despite this support, mayors of the affected suburbs expressed concerns about the lack of consultation with residents and raised issues regarding the democratic process.
Montreal city councillor Maja Vodanovic explained that the decision to end fluoridation was made to ensure uniformity in the drinking water supply across the island. She emphasized that the city’s choice was made in the best interest of all residents.
The reconsideration of fluoride use in the water supply began after a citizen petition in 2020, spearheaded by resident Ray Coelho, who received support from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Coelho expressed satisfaction with the council’s decision and mentioned receiving moral support from Kennedy, who has been critical of fluoride and its alleged health risks.
Despite Coelho’s involvement in far-right politics in the past, he distanced himself from those affiliations and emphasized his focus on the issue of water fluoridation. However, some mayors of the affected suburbs criticized Coelho, labeling him as a conspiracy theorist and far-right extremist.
The decision to halt fluoridation affects only two of Montreal’s six water treatment plants, serving a small percentage of the island’s population in the West Island suburbs. The water department highlighted the financial costs associated with fluoridation and mentioned supply issues with fluoride products in recent years.
While major health organizations support water fluoridation, Montreal’s regional public health directorate and public health officials advocate for its benefits, particularly for low-income families with limited access to dental care. They view fluoridation as a cost-effective preventative measure.
In response to criticisms about the lack of consultation and democratic process, Montreal’s public health director reiterated the office’s support for water fluoridation. A city spokesperson emphasized that the decision to end fluoridation was based on expert analysis and not influenced solely by the petition.
Overall, the decision to discontinue water fluoridation in Montreal’s West Island suburbs has sparked debate and raised questions about the democratic process and public health implications. The city’s move reflects a complex balancing act between cost considerations, public health benefits, and community engagement.
