A Statement by Canada following a Call by Ministers from the Host Country Alliance during INC-5

We stand at a critical juncture in the negotiations on a treaty to end plastic pollution. The world is watching, and the urgency to act has never been more pressing. We must rise to the challenge before us and make this session a turning point. The time for incremental progress is over—now is the time for bold, decisive action.

We strongly support the leadership of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) Chair, and reaffirm our commitment to work with all member states to bridge gaps, find common ground, and establish an effective treaty. We recognize the importance of effective financial mechanisms and technical support to ensure that the treaty’s provisions can be implemented by countries around the world.

We are confronted with the alarming reality that plastic pollution is set to triple by 2060, with levels expected to rise 2.5 times from 2015 levels by 2040. The Treaty must include provisions to reduce plastic production to sustainable levels and promote responsible consumption of plastics, based on the best available scientific research on plastic production, life cycle, and its environmental impacts.

The message from the Business Coalition for a Global Plastics Treaty is clear: the transnational nature of the plastic supply chain means that strategically placed global rules are necessary to close the patchwork of regulatory frameworks, level the playing field, bring clarity and consistency to operations, and drive investments and innovation.

Global restrictions, prohibitions and phase-outs on certain harmful plastic products and chemicals of concern in plastics are essential for protecting both human health and the environment. To keep plastic within the economy, it is crucial that the plastics we use are free from harmful chemicals that pose risks to both people and ecosystems.

And the message from our communities is clear: plastic pollution littering our environments, damaging our ecosystems, and posing potential threats to our health, is unacceptable.

The impacts of plastic pollution are most devastating for vulnerable communities, including Indigenous peoples, informal workers, such as waste pickers, as well as children and women. These communities often bear a disproportionate share of the environmental burden. By addressing plastic pollution, we are safeguarding the health and well-being of future generations.

We call on all members of this committee to act decisively, prioritize collective action to tackle plastic pollution, and move swiftly towards a solution that will ensure a plastic pollution-free future for our kids and grandkids.