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In a significant campaign pledge, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has committed to dismantling the federal ban on single-use plastics, which currently restricts items such as straws and grocery bags, should his party secure victory in the upcoming election. This announcement was made during Poilievre’s campaign stop in Montreal on Friday morning, marking a return to the political fray for him and other leaders after the recent national debates.
Competing in the same political landscape, Liberal Leader Mark Carney is making his way to Hamilton later today, while NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is scheduled for an event in Quebec.
Poilievre’s stance includes a repeal of the Liberal-imposed restrictions on various plastic products, including grocery bags and cutlery. He has characterized the government’s plans aimed at standardizing plastic packaging and labeling for improved recyclability as a “plastic tax” that unnecessarily burdens consumers.
The ban on six single-use plastic items was initially put in place by the previous Liberal government in 2022 under the assertion that manufactured plastics were toxic, as defined by the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. However, a Federal Court ruling in November 2023 negated this broad claim, suggesting that not all manufactured plastics can be classified as toxic, while the ban remains in effect pending further legal proceedings.
The Liberal government has introduced measures aiming for 60 percent of food packaging to derive from recycled plastic by 2030. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to enhance recycling rates in Canada, where estimates indicate that around 90 percent of plastic waste is directed to landfills.
Poilievre argues that the current plastics ban could lead to economic losses totaling $1.3 billion over the next decade, impacting families by approximately $400 annually. On the other hand, the Liberal administration is pledging to achieve “zero plastic waste” by the year 2030, emphasizing that only a mere nine percent of plastics are recycled in Canada.
Meanwhile, the NDP has also advocated for a ban on single-use plastics but has highlighted the need for exemptions for essential items for individuals with disabilities, such as straws, and for necessary medical supplies.
As the election campaign progresses, the debate over the environmental impacts of plastic use and the economic implications of such bans will continue to be pivotal issues for Canadian voters.
Source
globalnews.ca