Over the past two years, massive bee die-offs reported in Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec were linked to the use of neonicotinoid pesticides. In addition, a growing body of scientific literature documents the adverse effects of neonicotinoids on the foraging and homing behaviour of bees, as well as metabolic, immune and reproductive functions. 

Earlier this year, the European Union severely restricted the use of four neonicotinoid pesticides, including clothianidin, because of the risk to bees’ health. 

On Sept. 13, 2013, Health Canada acknowledged that these pesticides cause harm to bees and asked for public comments on proposed measures to mitigate impacts related to the use of neonicotinoid treated corn and soybean seed. 

But environmental groups say this is not enough, and that a full ban on all agricultural uses of clothianidin is needed.   

That's why lawyers from the Canadian Environmental Law Association and Ecojustice have filed a Notice of Objection with the health minister on behalf of Sierra Club Canada, Wilderness Committee, David Suzuki Foundation and Équiterre. The objection concerns Health Canada’s recent decision to renew the registration for clothianidin, a neonicotinoid pesticide toxic to bees, which the groups say should be banned in Canada.