Supreme Court of Canada to Review Single-Use Plastics Ban

The Supreme Court of Canada announced on October 15, 2026, that it will hear an appeal regarding the legality of the federal government's ban on six types of single-use plastics. The ban, which began phasing in during 2022, targets grocery bags, cutlery, straws, stir sticks, takeout containers, and six-pack rings. To enable the ban, the government designated plastic manufactured items as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

The case follows a series of conflicting legal rulings. A 2023 Federal Court decision initially found the toxic designation too broad. However, the Federal Court of Appeal overturned that ruling in January 2024, concluding that the government's designation was reasonable. The current appeal was brought by a coalition of chemical companies and the plastics industry, who claim the government failed to provide sufficient testing to prove all such plastics are harmful.

Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin confirmed that the ban will remain in effect while the court considers the case. Environmental Defence Canada has advocated for the ban to stay in place pending the final decision.