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December 5th, 2018

NDP Motion on Ocean Plastics Passes in the Commons

OTTAWA – On Wednesday, NDP MP Gord Johns’ (Courtenay-Alberni) Private Member’s Motion to combat marine plastics pollution was passed unanimously in the House of Commons. The motion calls for a national framework for the reduction and eventual elimination of plastic pollution in aquatic environments.

"The unanimous passage of this motion is a tremendous victory for our oceans and coastal communities," said Johns. "It is a firm acknowledgement that direct and immediate action is required to fill the legislative and regulatory void related to marine plastic pollution in Canada."

The motion drew on a University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre study, "Seven Reforms to Address Marine Plastic Pollution," and identifies essential actions to fill what is currently a legislative and regulatory void when it comes to preventing and disposing of plastic pollution in our oceans and other bodies of water. The recommendations in the motion include action aimed at reducing plastic debris, the industrial use of single-use plastics, as well as dedicated, annual funding for cleanup of existing plastic pollution.

"This is the first step in the journey to rid our oceans, beaches, and shores of plastic and other debris," added Johns. "I look forward to continuing this important work on behalf of Canadians and in continued collaboration with environmental groups, local governments, businesses, and Canadians everywhere to address the crisis of plastic waste in our oceans and waterways.”