Should Canada Allow Exports of Banned Single-Use Plastics?
Official title: Proposed Regulations Amending the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations
Canada banned six types of single-use plastics in 2022—things like straws, bags, and cutlery. Now the government wants to let companies export these items to other countries. Why? To save manufacturing jobs and factory investments. The ban would still apply inside Canada.
Why This Matters
This is about whether Canada should make plastics for other countries that we've banned here. If you care about plastic pollution in the oceans, this matters. If you work in plastics manufacturing, your job might depend on it. It's a trade-off between environmental principles and economic reality.
What Could Change
Canadian manufacturers could resume exporting plastic straws, bags, cutlery, stir sticks, six-pack rings, and food containers. The domestic ban stays in place—you still won't find these at Canadian stores. This aligns Canada with the EU approach, which also bans domestic use but allows exports.
Key Issues
- Should Canada allow exports of single-use plastics that are banned domestically?
- How to balance protecting Canadian manufacturing jobs with environmental commitments?
- Should Canada align its approach with trading partners like the EU?
How to Participate
- Read the proposed amendments in the Canada Gazette to understand the specific regulatory changes.
- Submit comments using the online commenting feature in the Canada Gazette.
- Or email your feedback to plastiquesuu-suplastics@ec.gc.ca by the deadline.