Statement from Ashley Wallis, Associate Director, Environmental Defence
Toronto | Traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat – We welcome the federal government’s decision to appeal a federal judge’s ruling and stand firm in its assertion that plastic is toxic. Plastics of all shapes, sizes, uses, and types are entering or have the potential to enter the environment in sufficient quantities to cause harm. The government’s initial order, which declared ‘Plastic Manufactured Items’ toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act is both warranted and necessary.
The science is clear—plastics of all kinds are persistent and bioaccumulative. They fill the stomachs of whales and seabirds, cause horrific and sometimes lethal entanglement, and facilitate exposure to disease. We’re also learning more everyday about the harms caused by microplastics, which are commonly found in human blood, and have even been found in human placentas and breastmilk.
Big Plastic has already lost in the court of public opinion. More than 90 per cent of Canadians support federal action on plastics. We’re happy the government of Canada is angling to have them lose in the federal court of appeal too.
ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.
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For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Lauren Thomas, Environmental Defence, media@environmentaldefence.ca
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