Mirabel will be able to move forward with its membership system for the Publisac. The Superior Court ruled in his favor on Wednesday, in a lawsuit brought by Transcontinental. The company, which does not intend to let it go, has announced that it will appeal.
Posted at 5:44 p.m.
“We are disappointed with the Court’s decision, and we will challenge it on appeal,” said Patrick Brayley, Senior Vice-President of the Distribution Group at TC Transcontinental. In the current inflationary context, and at a time when the population is facing unprecedented price increases, the social and economic relevance of the Publisac is greater than ever. »
In October 2019, Mirabel became the first city in Quebec to ban the automatic distribution of Publisac. It has opted to give its citizens a choice: those who still want to receive the Publisac must put a sticker on their mailbox. Otherwise, it is forbidden to distribute the Publisac.
In a lawsuit filed in September 2019 before the Superior Court, TC Transcontinental alleges that the City of Mirabel’s by-law “violates the right to freedom of expression guaranteed by the Canadian and Quebec Charters” and maintains that the current system in force is simple and efficient.
The Superior Court’s decision rendered on Wednesday dismissed his request and agreed with the City.
“Desire to accelerate the ecological transition”
Joined by The Pressthe office of Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said Wednesday that “today’s judgment clearly reflects the desire of citizens and municipalities to accelerate the ecological transition, for which reduction at source plays a central role” .
Last week, Montreal also opted for a membership system for the Publisac. The Mayor announced that starting in May 2023, the distribution of the Publisac in Montreal will be reserved for people who expressly request it, with the aim of reducing the quantity of waste and recyclable materials at the source.
An announcement that had also displeased Transcontinental. “The opt-in would be unviable because of its complexity and the prohibitive costs it would generate”, had judged the company.
Residents who wish to receive the promotional packet will have to obtain a sticker which will be offered by the City of Montreal. In addition, the Publisac plastic bag will be replaced by a paper bag.
With Vincent Brousseau-Pouliot, The Press