Honouring the Life and Legacy of Jim Bradley

With heavy hearts, we at Earthroots mourn the passing of Jim Bradley — a devoted public servant, visionary leader, and one of Ontario’s most effective champions for the environment. His life’s work left an indelible mark on our province, our communities, and the natural world we all depend on.

Jim Bradley served the people of St. Catharines for more than four decades, representing the community in the Ontario Legislature from 1977 to 2018 and later as Niagara Regional Chair. Throughout his remarkable career, he was known for his integrity, fairness, and deep commitment to the public good. But it was during his tenure as Ontario’s Minister of the Environment from 1985 to 1990 that his legacy as an environmental leader was truly forged.

Jim was widely regarded as the most effective Environment Minister in Ontario’s history. At a time when acid rain was devastating forests and lakes across the province, he led a groundbreaking campaign that all but ended the crisis. His leadership brought about decisive action and set a model for international cooperation. He introduced Blue Box recycling, a visionary program that transformed waste management and became a model adopted around the world. He brought the Spills Bill into force, ensuring that polluters — not the public — bore the responsibility for immediate cleanup and environmental restoration.

His impact reached far beyond provincial borders. Jim pressed the federal government to negotiate an effective agreement with the United States to stop toxic leaks into the Niagara River, safeguarding one of the region’s most vital waterways. He also took early and decisive action to curb ozone-depleting pollution, recognizing the urgent need to protect the atmosphere for future generations.

Jim Bradley’s work reshaped environmental policy in Ontario and set a precedent for strong, science-based action to protect the planet. He proved that government can be a force for ecological stewardship, and that thoughtful, courageous leadership can make a lasting difference.

As we reflect on his passing, Earthroots honours Jim Bradley’s life, his legacy, and his steadfast commitment to the land, water, and air that sustain us. His contributions live on in the clean air we breathe, the healthy waterways we cherish, and the culture of environmental responsibility he helped build.

May we carry forward his example — to act boldly, lead with integrity, and always defend the Earth.

Rest in peace, Jim Bradley. Your work endures.

— The Earthroots Team

‍