Alberta Vows to Continue Fight Against National Plastics Ban as Ottawa Files Appeal

The Alberta government says it will continue to battle Ottawa in court over its efforts to implement a nationwide plastics ban. The Federal Court of Canada ruled on Nov. 16 that the Liberal government’s order classifying manufactured plastic items as “toxic” was “unreasonable and unconstitutional.” Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, four days later, announced the government would appeal the ruling. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says by appealing the decision, Ottawa is “ignoring” both the law and “reality” and that her government will intervene in the appeal in order to defend the province’s constitutional jurisdiction and economy. “Ottawa cannot assume regulatory authority over any substance simply by designating it as toxic,” said Ms. Smith during a Dec. 19 press conference. “We will continue to push back against Ottawa’s unconstitutional actions, including through this legal action until they listen. The stakes are too high to do anything less.”...