Ontario halts eco fees program

Environment Minister for Ontario John Gerretsen will announce today that the government is halting the program that would add “eco fees” to thousands of household products, such as aerosols, cleaning products and other potentially toxic items. The program has faced growing backlash from retailers and consumer groups who say the rollout has been unclear and confusing, and that it lacked transparency and accountability. “It’s confusing to our customers,” said Mike Arnett, the president of Canadian Tire Retail. “[Customers] have questions we’re just not able to answer.” So just under three weeks after their introduction, the eco fees will be shelved.

Globe and Mail