Canada says it is working on ”timely resolution” on removing waste

April 24, 2019

Canada on Wednesday said it is working with the Philippine government for a "timely resolution" to remove tons of waste shipment to the country.

"A joint technical working group, consisting of officials from both countries, is examining the full spectrum of issues related to the removal of the waste with a view to a timely resolution," the Canadian Embassy said in a statement.

President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to "declare war" against Canada if it fails to take back the tons of garbage in a week.

"I will declare war against them. I will advise Canada that your garbage is on the way. Prepare a grand reception. Eat it if you want to," he said on Tuesday.

In 2013, fifty containers of waste from Canada were impounded by Philippine customs authorities.

Manila has conveyed its objection to the shipment to Canada through diplomatic notes.

Canada said the shipment was private and not backed by its government.

The embassy said Canada is "strongly committed to collaborating with the government of the Philippines to resolve this issue."

It said it is also aware of a court decision ordering the importer to ship the material back to Canada.

"In 2016, Canada amended its regulations around hazardous waste shipments to prevent such events from happening again," the embassy said. DMS