Bans on pesticides fly in the face of science
The recently announced pesticide ban in Montreal, which encompasses both domestic and agricultural products, is scientifically unjustified and undermines the credibility and the public’s trust in Canada’s strong science-based regulatory system. This politically motivated decision stands to negatively impact Quebec farmers and consumers.
Both agricultural and domestic pesticides offer safe and efficient ways to address a variety of pest problems for which no or very few alternatives exist. In agriculture, pesticides are a critical tool for farmers that help them safely and sustainably grow food for consumers.
The plant science industry is committed to supporting sustainable agriculture and food production. We recognize that sustainability is a journey and not a destination. As an industry we are continually investing in new tools and technologies like biopesticides and precision agriculture to make food production more sustainable. But it’s important to recognize the necessity of pesticides to provide Canadians with access to high-quality, safe and affordable food.
As the Union des producteurs agricoles recently pointed out, Quebec agriculture cannot afford to be crippled by piecemeal municipal regulations. In order to continue to be competitive and sustainable, Quebec agriculture needs and deserves government adherence to science-based regulation.
Canada is recognized internationally for the rigor of its regulatory process. Many other countries look to Health Canada for its expertise in protection of human health and the environment – and the food we produce is recognized as some of the safest and highest quality in the world. It’s disappointing to see those within our own country undermining this system.
Quebec residents deserve better than sporadic adherence to science. On the one hand there’s wide-spread support for Health Canada approved vaccines that are helping us emerge from this devastating public health crisis. And on the other hand, political intervention is disadvantaging farmers and homeowners when it comes to certain technologies that have gone through rigorous testing for health and safety.
The political nature of these types of bans on pesticides becomes clear when you look at the details. While certain types of pesticides are being restricted, others for use to control things like bed bugs and rodents, and for use in vegetative management on rights of way and pool chemicals are exempted. Pesticides are important tools in many aspects of our lives and all pesticides, regardless of their purpose, are regulated to ensure that they are safe.
As the science continues to demonstrate the safety and value of this technology, we need the province of Quebec to stand courageously for science in agriculture as they have done for science in vaccines and recognize the work of the federal regulatory agency. Science will help enable Quebec farmers to continue to grow safe and sustainable food while contributing to support local food security.
Pierre Petelle,
President & CEO, CropLife Canada