The federal government is moving to fulfill a key promise to ban single-use plastics by the end of 2021.

But the move comes as Canadians increasingly turn to plastic packaging out of concerns about the coronavirus pandemic and is raising questions about what the plan means for a struggling Alberta, which recently outlined a plan to become a major plastics recycler.

“We are living in extraordinary times,” said Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson as he announced the plan to ban single-use plastic grocery bags, stir sticks, six-pack rings, utensils, straws and some food ware made of hard-to-recycle plastics.

Wilkinson announced details of the plan in a press conference on Wednesday, saying the ban will layout regulations by the end of next year as the government had pledged to do last year before the start of the federal election campaign.

He noted that the coronavirus pandemic and increased use of plastics throughout it was among the considerations made by the government in preparing the list of six items to be banned, and that many of the items targeted by the ban have readily available, affordable alternatives.

“Canadians expect their governments to be able to address the COVID issue and other challenges at the same time,” he said.