DNV asks province for bold legislation to reduce plastic use

District of North Vancouver has joined 28 other municipalities asking BC to adopt bold legislation to significantly reduce or regulate plastic use in the province.

The joint letter was presented to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change strategy in response to a call by province for its Plastic Action Plan.

The joint letter highlights five topics:  the need for a greater focus on reduction and reuse over recycling and disposal,  clarification of local government authority for regulation, an appeal for a phased implementation approach, improved extended producer responsibilities, and sufficient consultation with key stakeholders when policy tools are developed and evaluated.

Signatories include many local governments who have or are in the process of adopting single-use plastics regulations. Victoria, Tofino, Mission, Chilliwack, Rossland, Saanich, Cumberland are some other municipalities that have signed the letter.

In July, the BC Court of Appeal overturned a lower court ruling and set aside the City of Victoria’s Checkout Bag Regulation Bylaw.

The Court of Appeal ruled that the purpose of the bylaw was the protection of the natural environment and that it required approval from the Province of BC prior to being enacted.

The City of Victoria is now asking the Supreme Court of Canada to review the decision that set aside its business bylaw.

Meanwhile, Mayor Mary-Ann Booth also has also met Ministry of Environment representatives at the UBCM conference to ask for their support in banning single-use plastics.