Montreal Ends Water Fluoridation in Suburbs

Montreal's municipal council has voted to end water fluoridation in the West Island suburbs, following a petition supported by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The decision, which affects six towns that have fluoridated their water since the 1950s, was partly influenced by cost concerns, despite public health officials advocating for fluoridation as an effective means to reduce tooth decay. Critics argue that the decision was made without adequate consultation with residents or local mayors, who expressed frustration over the lack of democratic process. The council's move aims to create uniform drinking water standards across the island, according to city councillor Maja Vodanovic. Kennedy, an outspoken vaccine skeptic, has suggested that fluoride is harmful and should be removed from public water supplies. This contentious issue has reignited debates over public health measures and local governance.