You too could be bugged by pesticide ban

This spring don’t expect to get rid of those weeds and grubs like you have in the past. The McGuinty government’s ban on cosmetic pesticides may have more reaching implications for industry, municipalities than the public had first thought.

The sad part about rushing this legislation through is that by the time people realize the consequences, it’s far too late to react.

A number of e-mail campaigns have been circulating on both sides of this issue over the past year. Recently, I have received form letters from nurses asking I support the legislation and its regulations for the safety of the public. Of course we all want what is safest for our children and for our environment; however, I am not certain this government has done due diligence. The restrictions as they stand now are not based on science and are inconsistent in application and could have negative consequences.

Why would this government wade in on a matter that is already being managed by the federal government? The federal Pest Control Products Act controls the sale and use of pesticides in Canada. The Food and Drugs Act allows for the setting of maximum limits for pesticide residue in foods. The Environmental Protection Act includes numerous provisions to protect the environment and human health from injury from pesticides. The Fertilizers Act requires registration of the fertilizer-pesticide mixtures. The Feeds Act is to prevent contamination of livestock feeds. And here, within Ontario, we have the Ontario Pesticides Act, we have the Municipal Act, we already have the Weeds Act and the Forest Sustainability Act.

By wading in with a ban, it seems to suggest that there's something inherently wrong with the various herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and I would go on to mention algaecides and rodenticides -- products we use to produce food.

When this legislation was first introduced over a year ago, I said at the time that it could prove to be a slippery slope -- especially in rural areas. Just before Christmas, I wrote to both Agriculture Minister Dombrowsky and Environment Minister Gerretsen asking that they revisit the regulations.

Agricultural groups fear that the regulations have the potential to create an “innovation chill” in Ontario.  Commercial farmers depend on new product development and testing to allow them to be competitive with farmers in other parts of the world. Many can return to organic farming but not everyone can go back to the hoe.

Minister Gerretsen had promised a meeting of all stakeholders for mid-January to discuss the regulations. From what I understand, the only folks present at this meeting were from large retail chains as well as one manufacturer – no farmers and no small business.

And what about the cemetery boards that were told they’d be exempt from the ban?

Small lawn care companies have told me that they need a longer phase-in period – originally they were told three years but were shocked to learn they would have to comply by this spring.

At a time when people are losing jobs and the economy is tanking, I find it unconceivable that this government is refusing to consult with all stakeholders. Minister Gerretsen and Premier McGuinty need to delay the implementation of these regulations; thoroughly review the science and consult with the experts in order to get it right this time around.