Trudeau's labeling of plastics as 'toxic' ruled 'unconstitutional' by Canadian federal court

The Federal Court of Canada says it is both “unreasonable and unconstitutional” for the Liberal government to label all plastic-manufactured items as “toxic.”

Justice Angela Furlanetto overruled the cabinet order saying the category of plastic items is too broad to classify material as toxic. 

The decision will impact the federal government’s ban on single-use plastics that includes straws, grocery bags and the temporary covering for meat, fruit and vegetables routinely used in stores.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault had given grocery stores in Canada until the end of August to address the Trudeau government’s proposed ban on single-use plastics on meat, fruit and vegetables.

The federal government has not publicly stated what that dictate would cost stores and consumers but the environment department has previously said the figure could be as high as $205 million annually.

The case against the government’s policy was brought jointly by the Government of Alberta, the Responsible Plastic Use Coalition and a coalition of chemical companies that produce plastic.

In a post on X, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith exulted that “Alberta Wins Again!”

 

Former federal Agriculture and Agri-food Minister Gerry Ritz, who served in his portfolio for eight years under the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, told The Post Millennial Friday that the court’s decision is great news for Canadian consumers.

“It’s a major win for consumers. Major loss for Trudeau and crew. Processors, fast food and grocers should sue for tool up and now retool costs of this mess.”

Guilbeault responded to the court’s decision in a post on X, insisting that “Canadians have been loud and clear that they want action to keep plastic out of our environment.”

“The Government of Canada is carefully reviewing the Federal Court judgement and are strongly considering an appeal.”