Ottawa plans to eliminate single-use plastics from federal operations

Canada’s federal government has announced plans to eliminate what it calls “unnecessary single-use” plastics from government operations.

Speaking at a G7 ministers meeting in Halifax on Sept. 20, Environment Minister Catherine McKenna made the pledge, saying the ban will include “straws, cutlery, packaging, cups, bottles.”

McKenna also said Ottawa aims to collect, reuse or recycle at least 75 per cent of its plastic waste by 2030. “I’m putting on notice all of our caterers, all of our hotels, those who we procure products from, the buildings we use — we are going to be looking at your operations, and we will be working with amazing suppliers who are committed also to the zero plastic waste vision,” she said.

McKenna also used the occasion to announce a $12 million fund for plastic innovation. The fund will focus on the top four plastic-producing sectors, she said: packing, building and construction, textiles and consumer products. McKenna said government will work with businesses, companies and non-governmental organizations to find solutions and innovative ways of dealing with plastic. The initiative will also include a partnership with the World Economic Forum, she said.