Despite 81 per cent of Ontarians supporting such a system, last year the Ford government scrapped the non-alcoholic drink container deposit-return program, citing cost concerns “for small businesses and families,” without providing any estimates.

Wait, what?! Does that mean I no longer get a refund for cans & bottles by taking them back?

IMO the system had a problem where they didn't increase the deposit to be in line with inflation. We were still getting 1990s return rates, so it simply stopped being worth while for most people.

In a certain light, I do actually see a leftist case for removing the deposit: the poorer you are, the more incentive you have to bring back empties. Thus it can be viewed in the lens of any other fixed rate goods or service tax that disproportionately affects poor people.

Then again, are distributors just going to keep prices the same and enjoy not paying out for returns? Most likely.