The petition expresses concerns about the tire rubber antioxidant 6PPD and the effects of 6PPD‑quinone (6PPD‑Q) on fish populations. The chemical compound 6PPD‑Q is created when 6PPD is released into the environment. The petition maintains that this compound causes an acute mortality of 40% to 90% of adult Coho salmon spawning in urban creeks. The petition cites a 2020 study that concluded that there was widespread toxic concentration of 6PPD‑Q in runoff and creeks along the west coast of the United States and suggests that there are similar risks for Canadian watersheds. The petition expresses concerns about what it describes as weak Coho stocks in Canada, maintaining that low numbers of this species may have restricted the ability of First Nations people to fulfill their food, social, and ceremonial fishing needs. It suggests that other salmonids are also affected by 6PPD‑Q.
The petition states there are many highways alongside watersheds and seeks information on what is being done to assess the risks of mortality to fish, specifically salmon, from roadway runoff of 6PPD‑Q. The petition asks about the steps being taken, including any legislative, regulatory, and testing measures, to deal with runoff of 6PPD‑Q and other toxic substances into watersheds. The petition also seeks information on any steps the government is taking to regulate the tire industry regarding removal or replacement of 6PPD in tire products.