Feds stand firm on toxic ruling as Big Plastic threatens lawsuit
A group of major Canadian plastic manufacturers are suing the federal government over its decision to list plastic as toxic to the environment. Photo by Justin Hofman/Greenpeace
By Marc Fawcett-Atkinson
The $35-billion plastics industry’s threat of legal action against Canada's efforts to rein in harmful plastic pollution will go nowhere, the federal government and environmental advocates say. "Plastics litter our beaches, parks, streets, shorelines, and other places Canadians value. Their harmful impact on nature and wildlife must be addressed," said Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson in a Wednesday statement. "We have a serious problem that requires serious leadership. Enough is enough, Canadians expect action and that is exactly what we will continue to require from the plastics industry."
The Responsible Plastic Use Coalition (RPUC), a coalition of 27 petrochemical and plastic packaging manufacturers, on Wednesday announced plans to sue the Liberal government over its decision last week to list plastic as toxic under Canada's primary environmental law — after months of lobbying against the government's approach — opening the door to a suite of planned regulations to end the plastic pollution problem.
Dow Chemical and NOVA Chemicals — two of the world's largest plastic manufacturers, according to a report released this week by the Minderoo Foundation — are among the group's signatories.
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