A plastics campaigner with Oceana Canada says putting the brakes on the country-wide ban on single-use plastics is a big step in the wrong direction.

Canada’s Federal Court overturned the ban that was set to come into effect in December.

The ruling determined that the list of banned single-use plastics was “too broad” and there was no evidence to support claims of their toxicity.

Despite the decision, Anthony Merante doesn’t expect to see single-use plastics making a return anytime soon.

He says the ruling doesn’t open the floodgates for businesses to bring back plastics.

He believes it would be a poor business move to reintroduce plastic bags or cutlery given the number of Canadians who say they’re concerned about plastic waste.

Canada produces nearly two million tonnes of single-use plastic waste annually. Merante says government regulations are critical in eliminating that waste.

He says they cannot count on corporations making pledges to be more environmentally friendly without the government holding them accountable. Instead of resisting a ban, Merante says industries should have gotten on board to work alongside the government.

Ottawa has already stated their intentions to appeal the decision.