Even before the emergence of COVID-19, consumer demand for takeout and delivery was already on the rise. The pandemic has clearly reinforced the critical need for those single-use items to ensure the health and well-being of Canadians as they continue to expect off-premise dining options.
That's not to say that our operators and restaurants across the country have ignored the integrity of environmental sustainability and what it means to our economy. It's an essential part of doing business. From locally sourced ingredients to energy efficiency, our industry has shown an ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility. Across the country, restaurant owners, managers and staff are working hard to navigate the already very complex regulatory landscape that impacts their day-to-day business operations.
Our concern was that, unfortunately, the legislation being proposed right now will do nothing to help restaurants successfully support the Canada-wide strategy on zero plastic waste, unless changes are made.