Open this photo in gallery: Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre participates in the English-language federal leaders' debate in Montreal on April 17.Christopher Katsarov/Reuters Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is promising to repeal the current ban on single-use plastics like straws and grocery bags if his party forms government on April 28. Mr. Poilievre would also halt existing government efforts to curtail the use of other plastic products, including those used to package and store food like breads or produce. The leader made the announcement at a plastics recycling facility in Montreal, the morning after a spirited debate among four federal party leaders. Friday’s pledge also comes as advanced voting began in the federal election campaign, a four-day window where parties work furiously to lock in their votes. Mr. Poilievre said Friday that the previous night's debate highlighted the need for a change this election, and cited the Liberals’ regulations to curb single-use plastics as a driver for the rising cost of living, claiming they will cost the average family $400, without providing further details. The government argues eliminating or drastically curtailing single-use plastics by replacing them with more sustainable products will reduce waste and pollution. When the ban on products such as plastic straws was introduced it claimed the measure could reduce the amount of plastic waste by 1.3 million tonnes between 2023 and 2032. It’s yet to move ahead with the proposals to compel grocery stores and other large retailers to cut back on packaging for bulk products, which was first announced in 2023. On Friday, Mr. Poilievre accused the government of having other motives than environmental concerns. “They’re not about saving the planet. They’re about punishing all of us to make themselves feel good, to wag their fingers and lecture the people,” he said.