Yes. A majority of councillors voted for the ban, including councillors from all political perspectives and all parts of the city. In fact, three members of Mayor Ford's hand-picked Executive Committee as well as another ally of Mayor Ford voted for the ban.

The idea was proposed by fiscally conservative Councillor David Shiner, for fiscal reasons. Councillor Shiner explained that he doesn’t think cities should have to pay for the litter pick up, waste collection or recycling of the packaging and product choices of stores and corporations, including bags. By focusing on reducing waste (the first of the 3 R's), the City saves money.