Calling for science-based decision making in the regulation of pest control products
OTTAWA, Dec. 14, 2011 /CNW/ – We, the undersigned, encourage the Government of British Columbia to consider the following when determining what access British Columbians should have to pest control products designed to protect valuable urban green spaces from destruction by insects, weeds and diseases.
- All pest control products currently available to British Columbians have been thoroughly assessed by Health Canada to ensure they do not pose a threat to human health or the environment.
- Science-based regulations are the foundation upon which innovation, investment and job creation are built and maintained.
- Science-based decisions are the basis for many aspects of our lives including health care and environmental stewardship. The governance of pest control products is as stringent – and in many cases, more stringent – than the oversight on many things we use on a daily basis.
In Ontario, where a ban has been in place since 2009, there have been many negative and unintended consequences and absolutely no documented benefits. According to a poll conducted in June of 2011*, approximately half of all Ontarians want to see the ban repealed or diminished and over half of Ontario homeowners continue to use products illegally or risk damage to their own health and the environment by concocting homemade alternatives now that access to proven safe and effective products is restricted.
A recent poll by the Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association** shows that the majority of British Columbians favour having continued access to pesticides around their homes and in public green spaces over a province-wide ban. Furthermore, more than two thirds of British Columbians indicate that they trust Health Canada's regulation of pest control products.
All pest control products currently available to British Columbians have been thoroughly assessed by Health Canada to ensure they can be safely used. Health Canada's regulatory system is one of the most modern and stringent in the world. This, coupled with British Columbia's innovative leadership approach to integrated pest management (IPM), ensures residents of British Columbia have access to only the safest tools to protect valuable green spaces from destruction by pests.
We ask that the Government of British Columbia do the right thing and maintain its commitment to science-based regulations in order to ensure that the health of British Columbians and the integrity of British Columbian green spaces be protected.
*Polling source: Blacksheep Strategy conducted between June 14 and 15, 2011 using Angus-Reid online forum, 1468 homeowners (margin of error +/- plus 2.6% 19/20)
** This poll was administered using Vision Critical, Angus Reid's B.C. online panel, representative of B.C. residents aged 18 and over. It was fielded on July 6 and 7, 2011, and is considered accurate to within +/- 3.4 per cent, 19/20 times. For a complete copy of the poll and results, please go to http://www.healthycleaning101.org/english/media.html.
Image with caption: "Signatories. (CNW Group/CropLife Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20111214_C6375_PHOTO_EN_8244.jpg
For further information:
Irmgard Critcher
B.C. Grain Producers Association
250-789-9289
or
Jackie Doughtery
Grassroots Choice Lawn Care Ltd. and president of the Integrated and Environmental Plant Management Association (IEPMA) of Western Canada
250 578-8383 or 250 319-2956