On November 16, 2023, a justice of the Canadian Federal Court overturned the federal government’s 2021 declaration labeling all plastic items as toxic (FPF reported), citing overreach under the Environmental Protection Act. The justice stated that the evidence “has not shown that there is a reasonable apprehension of harm for every plastic manufactured item.”
Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault announced a few days later that the government is appealing the decision, underscoring the ongoing debate over plastic regulation in Canada. The ruling does not affect Canada’s single-use plastics ban, SB-5 (FPF reported).
In August 2023, the Canadian government published a pollution prevention planning notice for plastic food packaging as part of ongoing efforts to address plastic waste and pollution (FPF reported).
References
Canadian Federal Court (November 16, 2023). “Responsible plastic use coalition v. Canada (Environment and Climate Change).”
Steven Guilbeault (November 20, 2023). “Announcement.” X
Read more
Vjosa Isai (November 18, 2023). “Single use plastics ban overturned by Canadian court.” New York Times
Sean Fine (November 16, 2023). “Federal Court judge rules that Ottawa’s labelling of all plastics as toxic is unconstitutional.” The Globe and Mail
