QUESTION PERIOD — Environment and Climate Change
Plastic Waste
April 17, 2024
Senator Gold, as you know, plastic waste is an ongoing concern to the Canadian public, Canadian businesses and the agriculture and agri-food industry.
Next week, from April 23 to 29, the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution will convene to develop an internationally legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. It will happen right here in Ottawa, across the road, at the Shaw Centre.
This is a pivotal time in the process of addressing this significant issue on a global level, while ensuring the domestic and global competitiveness of our farmers, ranchers and growers, who are the stewards of our land and sea.
My question is this: Does the Government of Canada recognize the need to address plastic waste through a systems approach that considers the necessary balance of concerns for food safety, food inflation, food security and our environment?
Thank you. Meegwetch.
Thank you for your question, senator. In all matters relating to our sustainable economy and moving toward a more sustainable society, all measures to address pollution need to be accommodated with the impacts on sectors. The agriculture and agri-food sector is no exception.
Plastics play an important role in the everyday lives of Canadians in plastic food packaging. Replacing single-use packaging with reuse-refill systems and ensuring that plastics, when used, are designed to be safely reused, recycled or composted can help Canadians while also respecting their use in the food and agricultural areas.
The government remains committed to advancing solutions that avoid increasing the cost of food or food waste in collaboration with grocers, other businesses and stakeholders.
