Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement on Monday.
Canada will look to ban “harmful” single-use plastics by as early as 2021, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday.
Speaking to reporters at a nature reserve in Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Trudeau discussed his government’s plan to implement a ban on certain single-use plastics over the next few years.
The Canadian government is also proposing to make plastics manufacturers and vendors who use plastic packaging responsible for their waste.
“Canadians know first-hand the impacts of plastic pollution, and are tired of seeing their beaches, parks, streets, and shorelines littered with plastic waste,” said Trudeau.
“We have a responsibility to work with our partners to reduce plastic pollution, protect the environment, and create jobs and grow our economy.
“We owe it to our kids to keep the environment clean and safe for generations to come.”
It is estimated that Canadians throw away over 3 million tonnes of plastic waste, representing up to $8 billion per year in lost value while wasting valuable resources and energy.
At present, less than 10% of plastic used in Canada is subsequently recycled.
Last month, the United Nations said that 180 countries reached a deal to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in the world’s oceans.
“We’ve all seen the disturbing images of fish, sea turtles, whales, and other wildlife being injured or dying because of plastic garbage in our oceans,” said Catherine McKenna, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
“Our government intends to ban harmful single-use plastic products where science warrants it, and why we’re working with partners across Canada and around the world to reduce plastic pollution.
“Taking these steps will help create tens of thousands of middle-class jobs and make our economy even stronger—while protecting fish, whales, and other wildlife, and preserving the places we love.”
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