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OTTAWA, January 30, 2026 — Animal Justice and Animal Environmental Legal Advocacy (AEL Advocacy) are welcoming today’s decision from the Federal Court of Appeal, which overturns a lower court ruling and confirms the federal government’s authority to regulate plastic products under Canada’s environmental law.
“This is a major victory for animals,” said lawyer Kaitlyn Mitchell, director of legal advocacy at Animal Justice. “Plastic pollution causes enormous suffering to wild animals across the country and today’s ruling affirms the federal action taken to reduce that harm.”
In 2021, the federal government listed plastic-manufactured items as toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), enabling regulations to restrict some of the most harmful and unnecessary plastic products. That decision was later struck down in 2023 by the Federal Court following a challenge brought by plastic industry groups.
Animal Justice, along with AEL Advocacy, intervened in the case, allowing the groups to advocate for the interests of the millions of animals harmed by plastic pollution each year.
“The plastics industry tried to block basic protections that would prevent animals from being suffocated, injured or killed by plastic waste,” said Ms. Mitchell. “Today’s decision sends a clear message that protecting the environment, and particularly animals, who are harmed most by plastic pollution, matters.”
“Today’s ruling is a big win for wildlife and the environment. By affirming the federal government’s authority to designate plastics as toxic under CEPA, it underscores their responsibility to address plastic pollution and protect animals and their habitats from its harmful effects,” said Krystal-Anne Roussel, co-Director of AEL Advocacy, “We hope this decision inspires continued bold, science-based action to reduce plastic waste and safeguard ecosystems across Canada.”
Decision summary here. Read the full decision here.​​​​
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For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
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> Krystal-Anne Roussel, Co-Director, AEL Advocacy, krystal@aeladvocacy.ca
> Josh Lynn, Public Relations Manager, Animal Justice, jlynn@animaljustice.ca
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Animal Justice leads the legal fight for animals in Canada. Our lawyers work to pass strong new animal protection laws, push to hold industries accountable.
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Animal Environmental Legal Advocacy (“AEL Advocacy”) is an intersectional and environmental law charity dedicated to advancing justice for animals and the environments where they live.​​​
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