The Federal Court overturned the Cabinet order banning single-use plastics

The Federal Court of Canada has decided to overturn the Cabinet directive that listed plastic items as toxic under Canada's environmental protection law. The court stated that it is not logical to consider all plastic items as harmful, given the wide range within this category. This decision may have implications for the ban on single-use plastic items, including straws, plastic grocery bags, and plastic food containers.

The current regulations banning plastic items include the prohibition of production and import of six specific categories and a complete ban on their sale and export until the end of 2025. This case was brought forward by the Responsible Plastic Use Coalition and several chemical companies that produce plastic. Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Steven Guilbeault, announced that the government is carefully reviewing this decision and strongly advocates for a reconsideration of it.

In a statement from his office, Guilbeault said, "Canadians have clearly and loudly expressed their desire for actions to reduce plastic items in the environment. We strongly believe that we must take action to address this crisis and keep millions of plastic bags out of our waters and nature. We will continue our fight in this direction." The advocacy group Environmental Defence expressed disappointment with the court's ruling and urged the Federal Court to reconsider its decision.

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