Plastic bags now (sometimes) six cents


Some retailers in Toronto are now charging six cents for plastic bags, attributing the hike to the HST now in effect.

But according to the city and province, that attribution is not exactly honest. Leslie O'Leary, a spokesperson for provincial Revenue Minister John Wilkinson, said the plastic bag fee is added the total tax bill taxed under the HST, not each individual bag.

City spokesperson Patricia Trott said retailers can charge whatever they like for plastic bags. The bylaw only requires they charge a minimum of five cents.

Shoppers Drug Mart is keeping their bags at five cents, but other retailers, such Valu Mart and Rexall, have opted for the 20 per cent hike. Some stores like the Big Carrot charge 10 cents.


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in News Flash

What's open and closed Remembrance Day in Toronto 2016

Vote for your favourite photo of Nuit Blanche 2016

What's open and closed Thanksgiving Monday in Toronto 2016

What's open and closed on Labour Day 2016 in Toronto

Do you want to create video for blogTO?

What's open and closed on Simcoe Day 2016 in Toronto

What's open and closed on Canada Day 2016 in Toronto

What's open and closed Easter Monday 2016 in Toronto