Federal government must track progress toward zero plastic waste goal: audit report
OTTAWA — Canada's environment commissioner says most federal programs aimed at reducing plastic waste are working, but the government isn't tracking its progress toward the goal of zero waste.
The government launched an initiative in 2019 to create a circular economy for plastics by 2030 -- meaning nothing goes to waste.
The new report highlights efforts by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to remove lost or discarded fishing gear from the water.
Commissioner Jerry DeMarco says the department is meeting its targets to remove that gear but the government doesn't have clear targets or monitoring for the overall zero plastic waste goal.
In a separate report, the environment commissioner found the Agriculture Department has no strategy to meet Canada's 2030 or 2050 climate targets.
The agriculture sector accounts for about 10 per cent of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 30, 2024.
The Canadian Press
