Montreal, November 28, 2024 - The Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association (QBCRA), known as Consignaction, takes note of the decision of the Minister of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks, Mr. Benoît Charrette, to partially postpone the deadline for the implementation of phase 2 of the deposit-refund widening.

Consignaction supports this decision, which will ultimately ensure an deposit-refund , efficient deposit-refund system optimized for recovering a greater number of containers under the best possible conditions. It is important to note that this postponement does not affect the deposit-refund plastic and aluminum deposit-refund ranging from 100 ml to 2 liters.

"For several months, Consignaction has been mobilizing considerable resources - human, material and financial - to support this major transformation. This additional time will enable us to consolidate the collection network, accelerate the roll-out of Consignaction and Consignaction+ return points and, we hope, finalize the crucial agreements with retailers, a key element in ensuring the success of deposit-refund in Quebec", said Normand Bisson, President and CEO of the QBCRA.

The essential involvement of retailers

Furthermore, the Association notes the Minister's decision to subject the organisation to an administrative inquiry and intends to cooperate fully.

"We are surprised by this decision, which casts a shadow over the important work we are doing, especially as we face significant resistance from retailers, a reality that is dampening our momentum and which, it seems, has been underestimated by the legislator. We have repeatedly sounded the alarm with the government to emphasize that Consignaction has no legal or coercive leverage at its disposal to accelerate the conclusion of agreements," added Mr. Bisson.

Although Consignaction has made sustained efforts to work with retailers, a number of logistical and operational issues remain unresolved. In this context, the QBCRA is counting on the government to impose clear guidelines and ensure compliance with existing rules.

A firm and determined call to action

Consignaction reiterates that it is imperative that all stakeholders work together to overcome the remaining obstacles and ensure the smooth rollout of the new network.

"This postponement is neither a failure nor an abandonment, quite the contrary. It is an opportunity to consolidate a world-class system and network that will propel Quebec as a leader in deposit-refund internationally. This is a major collective shift, which we cannot afford to miss in the name of haste. We must be adequately prepared to support Quebecers in this important change in their recovery habits. We cannot afford to make mistakes, and that is why we want to do things in order,” concluded Mr. Bisson.

The QBCRA reaffirms its commitment to continuing its efforts to modernize deposit-refund in Quebec, and calls on the government to play a decisive role in ensuring that retailers meet their regulatory obligations and actively participate in this essential project for the environment and citizens.

About Consignaction

The Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association (Consignaction) is the designated organization responsible for modernizing and managing the deposit-refund system in Quebec.

– 30 –

Source: The Quebec Beverage Container Recycling Association

Contact: Elisabeth Larocque-de Freitas, [email protected], (514) 652-6887