As we know,we are charged with the use of plastic bags.Opnions vary from person to person.How do you feel on the issue?
The Top Five mayoral candidates were asked if they think the plastic bag fee achieves its environmental objectives or whether it’s just another tax grab — and will they rescind it as mayor:
* ROB FORD: “When the tax was implemented it was just one more attempt by government to regulate behaviour. From this perspective, the policy has somewhat achieved its goal. You see a lot more reusable bags because consumers are sick and tired of being nickel-and-dimed to death. As mayor, I will put forward a motion to eliminate the bag tax.”
* JOE PANTALONE: “Whenever the amount of waste is avoided by 70% (he claims unnamed stores have reported a drop in bag usage from five million to 1.2 million bags per week), that is an amazing success. Why would anybody rescind anything that’s working so well?”
* ROCCO ROSSI: “The environmental impact is murky at best. In effect, the biggest outcome of this fee is to line the pockets of retailers, who keep the fee though some give part – but not all of it – away to environmental causes. I am on record as saying I would rescind the fee.”
* GEORGE SMITHERMAN: “I hate paying the fee. That’s why I now go without or use a reusable bag. I know many people do the same, so in that sense, yes, it’s helping divert bags from the garbage. I think we have bigger fish to fry at City Hall (than rescinding the fee) like rolling back the Vehicle Registration Tax, which I’ve pledged to do.”
*SARAH THOMSON: “ It does work to curb people’s behaviour towards a more sustainable lifestyle, but I think the best measure of success is how the retailers are re-investing the money. While there are some good examples like Loblaws’ commitment to the World Wildlife Fund and Bagel House bakeries’ investment in re-usable bags for their loyal customers, I do believe the policy could be coupled with more incentives from city hall. As mayor, I would not rescind the fee because of its positive implications for our environment.”