Concordia University's position on bottled water

Concordia University has recently received media attention because of efforts by some students to ban the sale of bottled water on campus.

The university has not made a decision yet on bottled water. It continues to look into the issue in order to make an informed decision on the matter. The process is ongoing.

The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and has been speaking with representatives of the industry to determine whether offering bottled water contravenes our principles. Student representatives, including those calling for a ban on bottled water, have been invited to discuss their concerns and some have chosen to participate in the process.

On October 27, opponents of bottled water sent a news release to the media which included a number of factual errors and accusations against the university. Protesters then occupied the hallways outside one of the university’s offices, blocking access for staff, thereby creating a safety hazard, intimidating staff in their workspace, taking their pictures, and disrupting university operations. These kinds of tactics do nothing to promote dialogue and are unacceptable in an institution which fosters civil discourse, especially on contentious issues.

Some students also take issue with exclusive contracts and the university’s contract with Pepsi in particular. The university has decided to renew its contract with Pepsi, which provides all of Concordia’s beverage service. However, the extension of the contract and the university’s position on bottled water are independent of each other.

Any new Agreement with Pepsi will not preclude the university from reaching and implementing a decision which would prohibit: (i) the sale of bottled water in businesses operated and controlled by the university on campus; and (ii) the sale of bottled water through Pepsi’s vending machines located on campus.

It goes without saying that any such decision could not, however, adversely affect the rights of other third parties, such as tenants of the University or other parties with whom the University has an existing agreement that does not expressly prohibit the sale of bottled water.

Until a decision is made regarding bottled water, the university has a responsibility to provide service, choice and convenience. Many students like the convenience of bottled water and, at the same time, no one is forced to buy it. It’s an individual choice. For the time being, both options are available.

That having been said, to at least in part address concerns that have been raised, the university has made a commitment to install more water fountains on both campuses and to retrofit others so that they can be used to fill reusable bottles.

Source:
Chris Mota
Director, Media Relations
Email: chris.mota@concordia.ca
Tel: (514) 848-2424 ext. 4884