The federal government argues that a lower court erred in ruling against its decision to classify plastics as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.
David Thurton reports for the CBC.
In short:
- Ottawa's appeal argues that listing all plastics as toxic is necessary because broken-down plastics cause harm, regardless of their original form.
- The case, initially won by major industry players and supported by Alberta and Saskatchewan, contests the constitutionality of Ottawa’s classification.
- The B.C. government supports Ottawa, emphasizing the need for cooperative regulation to address widespread plastic pollution.
Key quote:
"All plastic manufactured items have the ability to cause harm because of their compositional structure."
— Joseph Cheng, federal government’s general counsel
Why this matters:
Recognizing plastics as toxic substances could be a game-changer. Such a classification might pave the way for more rigorous regulations, aiming to curb the production, usage, and disposal of plastic materials. This would not only address the environmental degradation but also mitigate health risks associated with plastic chemicals. Many plastics contain additives and chemicals that leach into food and water, potentially leading to a range of health issues, including endocrine disruption and cancer.
