The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC)
Canada recognizes that plastic pollution is a global issue that needs urgent action. We are committed to taking ambitious action to end plastic pollution and reduce plastic waste.
In 2022, countries around the world agreed to create a global and legally binding agreement on plastic pollution. Since then, Canada has been involved in its development.
The INC had several meetings to develop the treaty, including:
- INC-1 in Punta del Este, Uruguay (2022)
- INC-2 in Paris, France (2023)
- INC-3 in Nairobi, Kenya (2023)
- INC-4 in Ottawa, Canada (2024)
- INC-5.1 in Busan, Republic of Korea (2024)
- INC-5.2 in Geneva, Switzerland (2025)
More than 175 countries are working together through the INC to make progress toward this important shared goal.
Canada and the INC process
From April 23 to 29, 2024, Canada welcomed delegations, high-level representatives, partners, and stakeholders from around the world to Ottawa. They came for the fourth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-4).
During INC-4, Canada announced the launch of a Federal Plastics Registry. It is a tool that will provide reliable data to track how plastic is made, used, and disposed of. It will help guide future actions to reduce plastic waste and pollution. Canada also announced funding, both in Canada and other countries, to reduce plastic pollution and support a circular economy.
Host Country Alliance
At INC-4, Canada established the Host Country Alliance along with the governments of Uruguay, France, Kenya, and the Republic of Korea. Our goal is to build political support to create a strong and effective global agreement that matches the seriousness of the plastic pollution issue. To reach this goal, we are working with countries across the world to find common ground and bridge gaps. Switzerland has now also joined the Host Country Alliance as host of INC-5.2.
Highlights
- Minister Dabrusin – Statement on the conclusion of the resumed Fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-5.2)
- A Statement by Canada following a Call by Ministers from the Host Country Alliance during INC-5
- Chair Summary – August 9, 2024, meeting of the Host Country Alliance
- Minister Guilbeault issues statement on high-level meeting as INC-4 begins
- The Government of Canada requires producers to take more responsibility for the plastic they put on the market
- Government of Canada invests to support Canadian innovators to find ways to reduce plastic pollution
- Canada helps chart roadmap toward an ambitious global deal to end plastic pollution