Saluting the students of Cecil Rhodes School for their efforts to ban plastic check-out bags

Students from Cecil Rhodes School came to the Manitoba Legislature to push for a ban on plastic check-out bags in Manitoba. They were present when we introduced Bill 200 at first reading on April 14 (photo), and again on May 6 when Bill 200 was debated at second reading. In between, they delivered cards to all MLAs to urge them to support the ban on plastic bags.

It was sad, at the end of debate on May 6 when it became clear that NDP members of the Manitoba Legislature would not support Bill 200, and that it would not pass on to go to committee. However, it was a lesson in politics, and one day I believe we will see a ban on the use of plastic check-out bags in Manitoba. It is time we return to reusable cloth bags as the mainstay when we shop, with an alternative of very occasionally using biodegradable bags made from corn starch or other agricultural products.

Congratulations to the students of Cecil Rhodes School for their efforts and for their wonderful video on plastic bags. Well done! Even though we did not succeed this time, we have attracted a lot more Manitobans to the cause of banning plastic check-out bags.