Natural Resources Minister Seamus O’Regan says he’s unaware of a massive lawsuit filed against the government two weeks ago for listing plastic products as toxic, says Blacklock’s Reporter..A coalition of oil and chemical companies, including Imperial Oil Ltd., Dow Chemical Canada and Nova Chemicals Corporation. filed a Federal Court challenge on May 18 of the toxic listing under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act..But O’Regan testified he was unaware of the court challenge..“Plastics are derived from oil,” said Minister O’Regan..“Yes,” replied Conservative MP Dane Lloyd (Sturgeon River-Parkland, Alta.)..“The designation of plastic as a toxic substance threatens a significant amount of jobs and investment in our country. Can you tell me, Minister, have you been hearing concerns from your provincial counterparts on this move?”.“Yes, I mean, I’ve heard and read the same concerns,” replied O’Regan..“But I think at the same time it’s really important to note how important plastics are particularly in this pandemic world that we live in”:.MP Lloyd: “What has industry been telling you about the threat to jobs and investment in our country based on this move?”Minister O’Regan: “That I have not heard about directly.”MP Lloyd: “Have you heard about it indirectly?”Minister O’Regan: “I think probably in the same reports and media reports you have.”MP Lloyd: “Are you aware these companies are taking the government to court over this move?”Minister O’Regan: “I am not…”MP Lloyd: “Minister, what are you doing to advocate for the plastics industry in Canada?”Minister O’Regan: “Well, it’s not within my bailiwick.”MP Lloyd: “You sit around the cabinet table when these decisions are made…”Minister O’Regan: “Plastics are derived from oil.”MP Lloyd: “Yes.”.Five provinces petitioned the Department of Environment against the May 12 listing of plastic manufactured items as toxic under the Environmental Protection Act. They did not join the industry lawsuit..Lawyers in a submission to the Court said the listing affecting plastic goods from toys to textiles was “impossibly broad” and “based on conjecture, not evidence.”.“Plastic manufactured items leapfrogged from political commitment to a toxic designation without any testing or risk-based assessment,” lawyers wrote..“This is precisely the mischief the Act’s rigorous, science-based scheme was intended to avoid.”.Lawyers asked a federal judge to quash the listing and compel the cabinet to release all scientific studies, academic reviews or independent research used to justify the order..The Department of Environment has not yet filed a statement of defence..Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.,dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/nobby7694
