A poll released Wednesday shows that three-in-five Canadians support banning plastic shopping bags.
The poll, conducted by Angus Reid Public Opinion, found that more than half of Canadians believe banning the bags is a good idea.
The online survey of 1,019 Canadian adults found that 58 per cent of respondents said they support the ban in their own town or city, while 39 per cent were opposed.
Support for the ban varied across the country, with support lowest in Ontario with only 54 per cent approving the ban. Support was highest in Atlantic Canada with 63 per cent supporting the ban.
Women and respondents under the age of 35 were the most likely to endorse banning the bags.
Charging a fee for a plastic bag was a more controversial practice, with only 53 per cent of respondents agreeing with it.
Residents in Atlantic Canada and Ontario showed the lowest levels of support for the fee, at 63 per cent and 54 per cent respectively. Meanwhile, Quebecers showed the highest support for the fee, with 64 per cent approving the charge.
The poll was released just a week after Toronto city council voted to ban the provision of plastic shopping bags in the city.
Toronto Mayor Rob Ford lobbied to have the five-cent bag fee struck down, but in a surprise vote, council decided to ban plastic bags completely.
The plastic bag ban will take effect on Jan. 1, 2013.
