- Published on August 6th, 2010
- Cory Hurley
“Diamond said he often receives hate mail from a person with the moniker Uncle Adolf, claiming such things as those lobbying for pesticide bans are “eco-terrorists”
Mr. Diamond I bet you cannot produce 1 email with Uncle Adolphs name on it.
UncleAdolph Does Not Send you Emails. READ the email you received again, I am sure there is information within it regarding who the sender was.
You lie like the rug you stand on.
If pesticides were dangerous you and your so called strong medical backing would be right in your arguments. But that is where you are confused. Do you think there is a Canadian Government conspiracy to hide the dangers of Pesticides? Shake your head. Research more than 1 side of the debate before you speak, you will look better in the long run.
If you did more than lean on that garden implement your yard would not look the way it does. Get to work.
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CORNER BROOK — Heading into the latter stages of summer again, Bob Diamond is frustrated with the provincial government’s action towards banning pesticides. In fact, it is the lack of action the Stephenville man has an issue with.
The former Steady Brook resident has long been involved in the lobbying effort to have the sale and cosmetic use of pesticides banned in this province. It is an issue that has been taken up by the Newfoundland and Labrador Coalition on Pesticides, which has a strong medical and health representation.
Despite, what Diamond refers to as extensive time and effort by many individuals and groups in this province and the willingness of other provinces to enact such legislation, he said it appears to have made no advancement here.
“Why hasn’t it happened, that is the question,” he said. “Here we are in August, heading into September again, and we see no protection in this province.
“I just can’t understand it … My reaction is just frustration.”
Diamond, who was one of the founders of the Humber Environment Action Group and the Western Environment Centre, said pesticides are toxic.
“The reason why they are banned is not some whim or political stuff,” he said. “It’s because science and research and medical associations realize they are a threat to human health. They are tied to all kinds of medical and health issues, from cancers to even attention defecit disorder in children.”
He compared the issue to that of tobacco, in terms of seriousness and the years of taboo related to whether or not tobacco was bad for your health and carcinogenic.
“I am aware there are corporations and lobbyists that are putting a lot of time and energy into trying to get government not to move on this,” he said of the legislation to ban pesticides.
Diamond said he often receives hate mail from a person with the moniker Uncle Adolf, claiming such things as those lobbying for pesticide bans are “eco-terrorists.”
He also contradicted arguments he has heard about the negative impacts on the pesticide industry and/or lawn care businesses. He said provinces where there are bans are not reporting a downturn in the industry and he also scoffed at the notion of fear of lawsuits from the industry.
“Should governments are afraid to stand up and protect the health of folks because some company or corporation might sue them?,” he said. “That is whacked as far as I am concerned.”
While researching the issue, Diamond said he discovered the federal Department of Defence implemented a ban on pesticide use on its properties more than seven years ago.
“You have the military, who are responsible, supposedly, for protecting people and our country, and they are protecting themselves form exposure to pesticides on the bases and DND property, and have been since 2003,” he said. “Meanwhile, the cities out there, in particular in Newfoundland (are not).”
Diamond said it makes sense to ban pesticides.
“With gardens, if you have the odd little weed or dandelion cut them down to two or three inches, what’s the big deal anyway?” he said. “What’s more important a healthy lawn or healthy family, pets and environment?”
Meanwhile, Environment Minister Charlene Johnson said the provincial government continues to consider whether or not to implement further bans on some pesticides. She said, in 2007, the Pesticides Control Regulations were amended and new restrictions were set for the way in which pesticides could be sold and used in the province.
“We were the first province in Atlantic Canada to ban weed and feed type pesticides,” she stated in an email. “Also, pesticide use on public spaces has been banned, other than the use of reduced risk pesticides.
“These amendments clearly show that our government is prepared to implement change where there is a valid and scientific basis for doing so.”
The minister said input has been received from both sides of the argument, which helps make an informed decision. Johnson also said she along with her department staff have met with their counterparts in Atlantic Canada to determine where each province stands.
“If a decision is made to ban or restrict certain uses of pesticides, then we need to ensure we develop legislation which best meets the needs of this province,” the email stated. “We are reviewing relevant information, studies and reports, as part of any decision-making process, and activities in other provinces are also being monitored to determine the level of success for various undertakings.”
