Will single-use plastics return with federal ban overturned? Unlikely, it seems

globalnews.ca:

single-use plastic ban is “unconstitutional and unreasonable” is generating disappointment for some in the environmental movement.And it is also raising questions about whether the plastic bags, straws and takeout containers listed under the ban could make a comeback.“I mean, we were very disappointed. And this is a real setback to the federal government’s plans to address the plastic pollution crisis,” said Ashley Wallis, associate director with Environmental Defence in Toronto.Both Environmental Defence and Greenpeace Canada are calling on the federal government to appeal the ruling, something Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said he’s “strongly considering.”But where do things go from here?The court challenge was brought forward by a group called the Responsible Plastic Use Coalition (RPUC), made up of plastic producers including Dow Chemical and Imperial Oil.They successfully argued that the May 2021 cabinet order classing “plastic manufactured items” as toxic substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) was too broad.In a statement, the RPUC said it is glad that the court upheld the provisions of the CEPA and believes industry and the government can work collaboratively to reduce plastic waste.This classification allowed Ottawa to ban a wide variety of single-use plastics because under the CEPA, the federal government can ban toxic substances.With this classification retroactively overturned, does it mean single-use plastics like bags and straws will come roaring back?Not likely, it seems.Two of Canada’s major grocers, Loblaws and Metro, both tell Global News they will not be bringing back plastic shopping bags.“No.