In a letter sent Thursday and obtained by the Star, the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada and the Canadian Plastics Industry Association say the decision “unfairly discredits” plastics and is not backed up by evidence. The groups are urging Environment Minister Catherine McKenna, Treasury Board President Scott Brison and other officials to assess what materials provide “the best outcome” for the environment and economy before committing to reduce single-use plastics. The federal government’s decision to stop using items like single-use straws “unfairly discredits” plastics and is not backed up by evidence, lobby groups say. Carol Hochu, president and chief executive of the Canadian Plastics Industry Association, said industry shares the government’s ambition to eliminate plastic waste. This is about using plastics more wisely.” Alex Ballingall is an Ottawa-based reporter covering national politics.

Source: thestar September 28, 2018 21:56 UTC