The federal government has announced its plans to ban the manufacture and import for sale of several types of single-use plastics. Bendy straws are still allowed under certain circumstances. (Photo: Hanohiki | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

Plactics Ban

More single-use plastics to be banned Dec. 20 in Canada

Dec 19, 2022 | 3:05 PM

OTTAWA, ON – The Government of Canada has announced the next steps in its effort to ban single-use plastics.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault says Canada is reaffirming its steadfast commitment to addressing plastic pollution and protecting biodiversity.

“With this ban, and our participation toward achieving a global treaty, we’re joining the global effort to reduce plastic pollution and protect our wildlife and habitats,” says Guilbeault. “There is a clear linkage between a world free of plastic pollution and a sustainable world, rich in biodiversity—a world that also best supports the health and economic security of Canadians, protects our environment, and helps in the fight against climate change.”

As of Tuesday, December 20, 2022, the manufacture and import for sale of the following items will be prohibited:

• Checkout bags
• Cutlery
• Foodservice ware made from, or containing, problematic plastics that are hard to recycle
• Stir sticks
• Straws (with some exceptions)

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According to a release from the federal government, these six categories were chosen because they are commonly found in the environment, are harmful to wildlife and their habitat, are difficult to recycle, and have readily-available alternatives.

The ban on the manufacture and import of ring carriers will take effect in June 2023.

Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard Joyce Murray says, over the next decade, the ban on single-use plastics will result in the elimination of over 1.3 million tonnes of plastic waste.

“Each year around the world, approximately 8 million tonnes of plastic pollution enters the oceans,” says Murray. “The ban on single-use plastics is a significant step the Government of Canada is taking to mitigate this serious threat to the marine environment and protect our critical aquatic ecosystems, so they remain healthy and abundant for the next seven generations.”

The announcement was made as Canada welcomes the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.