Retail advocate would rather see single-use bag ban at provincial level

By Chris Halef

The Nova Scotia government should consider implementing a province-wide ban of plastic shopping bags, according to the Atlantic director of the Retail Council of Canada.

Jim Cormier is calling on the McNeil government to look into the issue, rather than allowing municipalities to decide whether or not to implement bans.

The Halifax council have tasked staff with doing a staff report, looking at the feasibility of banning bags. 

Cormier said by allowing municipalities to take control, it could create an uneven playing field for businesses.

“It pits retailer against retailer,” said Cormier. “In some cases you could have the same retailer that has stores in three communities all forced to do something different.”

He suggested a municipal ban could mean people choosing the same store in another municipality, simply because one offers bags and another does not. 

Cormier said having a provincial ban solves all of those issues, curing administrative headaches and keeping customers happy.

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