Demonstrators call for end to plastic pollution as UN treaty talks set to begin in Ottawa
More than 100 people marched from Parliament Hill Sunday as delegates from the United Nations are set to gather in Ottawa the week of Earth Day to discuss how to eliminate plastic waste.
- Sign up now for our daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
More than 4,000 delegates and 176 countries are coming to the capital in hopes of creating a legally-binding global treaty to eliminate plastic waste by 2040.
With the fourth of five rounds of negotiations set to take place this week, the goal is to have a deal finalized by the end of the year.
Demonstrators were calling for an end to plastic pollution.
"I think it’s imperative that the voices of Indigenous people, especially here in Canada, are at the forefront of these treaty negotiations. We’re not stakeholders. We are the people of the land. We are the scientists. We are the knowledge keepers," said Ginwkwe, knowledge keeper at the Society of Native Nations.
The use of plastic has dramatically increased in the past decade. Canadian Climate Institute president Rick Smith says half of all plastic ever produced has been made in just the past 15 years.
"There’s so much plastic waste in the environment now and one of the main issues with plastic now is that we are actually absorbing it into our bodies," Smith said.
Its impact on nature and growing health concerns are leading the push to get rid of plastic waste and eliminate problematic chemicals used to make it.
"There’s a lot of commonality amongst countries gathered here that we need to grapple with the problem and find solutions because waste management systems everywhere in the world are overwhelmed," Smith said.
Plastic production and waste is expected to triple by 2060, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.
But less than 10 per cent of the plastic used across the globe is recycled. Here in Canada, 80 per cent ends up in the landfill or as garbage for someone else to pick up.
Daniel Whiting and his two daughters were among dozens of volunteers getting a jump start on Earth Day, collecting garbage.
"We’ve only been out here maybe 15 minutes and I’ve got a full bin and they’ve each got two full bags already," said Whiting.
Delegates will begin negotiations on Tuesday and they’re expected to run for seven days.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
At least 60 reports of Lyme disease so far as Ontario enters tick season
Peak tick season is only just beginning but reports of bites – and tick-borne illnesses – are already higher than normal in Ontario.
Pope apologizes after using 'homophobic terms'
Pope Francis apologized Tuesday after he was quoted using a vulgar term about gay men to reaffirm the Catholic Church's ban on gay priests.
Severe thunderstorms, 15 cm of snow: Canadian weather forecast highlights
Well into spring, some parts of Canada could experience a wintry comeback, while other areas are bracing for severe thunderstorms, according to local forecasts.
Teen was doing homework at family's Mississauga, Ont. restaurant when gunman opened fire: testimony
The 13-year-old sister of a young man killed in the attack on her family’s Mississauga restaurant in 2021 took the stand in a Brampton courthouse on Monday to describe the terrifying moments of coming under fire.
House from 'Home Alone' hits the market for US$5.25 million
Kevin McCallister’s childhood home has hit the market for US$5.25 million. At just over 9,000 square feet, the house from the 'Home Alone' movie was last sold in 2012 for $1,585,000.
Tornado touches down west of the Island of Montreal
Emergency services in the town of Rigaud, Que. are investigating after a tornado touched down shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.
More Canadians only making minimum payment on credit cards: TransUnion
Some Canadians are seeing their credit card balances grow as the cost-of-living crisis and higher interest rates eat into household budgets, a new report shows.
What a CBSA strike could look like, according to an expert
Slowed or interrupted travel, the passing of goods and significantly restricted borders should be expected if Canadian border workers take upcoming strike action.