In 2022, the global community committed to develop an international, legally binding instrument on plastic pollution by the end of 2024. Canada has been actively involved in the development of this global agreement since then.
Later this month, Canada will host the fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) to develop the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. This major global convening will take place from April 23-29 at the Shaw Center in Ottawa, Canada.
Despite the Federal Court of Canada’s ruling in November 2023 that the Federal Government’s labeling of all plastics as ‘toxic’ was both unreasonable and unconstitutional (bringing into question the future of plastics regulation in Canada, at least in the near-term), efforts and momentum on the topic continues to build.
Many Canadian businesses, governments, non-profit organizations, and others continue to push the agenda and demonstrate leadership to advance a more circular economy for plastics. For example, work under the umbrella of CELC’s sister organization, the Canada Plastics Pact, is multifaceted, focused on the reduction and elimination of problematic plastics, redesigning packaging to be fit for purpose in a circular economy (including reusable packaging systems), and investing in innovation and infrastructure for collection, sortation, and recycling.
Can we be doing more here in Canada? Absolutely, and we must. The outcomes from INC-4 will set the ambition for a global circular plastics economy, and will help shape the path forward for Canada. We’ll be sure to share more on this milestone event through our next CELC newsletter and social media channels to keep you ‘Looped In’.
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