Thousands of responses to plastic bag ban survey

The latest round of consultations on whether or not to ban single-use plastic bags in Newfoundland and Labrador is over, and in an email to CBC News, the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment saida decision is "anticipated to be forthcoming in the near future."

More than2,800 online responses came in through the province's engageNL website the highest number of responses ever received, according to the department.

There were also more than 120 written submissions.

The idea of a provincewide ban on the bags was first floated in 2015, andsince then the government has been mulling over whether, or how best, to implement it.

• Premier says plastic bag ban consultations 'days away' from concluding

• Provincewide plastic bag ban decision expected soon

In February, Environment Minister Graham Lettosaid a decision on the ban was expected soon, shortly before announcing this latest round of consultations.

Letto defended the timeline, saying the province wants to engage stakeholders before moving ahead with legislation.

Meanwhile, anumber of communities including all of Nunatsiavut in northern Labrador have already taken it on themselves to enact local bans.

PremierDwight Ball has said he personally supports a ban, and says Newfoundland and Labrador could be the first province to do it.

Prince Edward Island voted in a ban last year, but it doesn't take effect until July 1.

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