Montreal’s ideological approach to pesticides could hurt local food production

The city of Montreal’s recent announcement that it would extend its municipal ban on pesticides to golf courses flies in the face of science. The decision will negatively impact local golf courses and unfairly characterizing products that have been thoroughly reviewed and approved by Health Canada as dangerous will drive fear and confusion about safe and essential pesticides in food production among Quebec residents.

Golf courses are valuable green spaces that contribute to biodiversity and create spaces for residents to enjoy and get physical activity. Protecting these green spaces from damage from insects, weeds and diseases requires the judicious use of federally approve pest control products as part of a broader approach called integrated pest management.

Pesticides are also a critical tool Quebec farmers use to protect their crops from pests so that they can produce safe, high-quality and local food for the province. The hypocrisy of the City of Montreal’s approach to pesticides makes it understandable that consumers would be left confused. Pesticides are not considered safe for golf course use, although there are exceptions, but they are considered safe for use to keep rail corridors clear, protect urban trees and grow food? The confusion ultimately puts hard-working farmers in the crosshairs and threatens farmers’ ability to put more locally produced food on consumers’ plates.

All pesticides, whether for golf courses, urban settings, industrial use or agriculture are regulated by Health Canada to ensure they are safe for both people and the environment. Health Canada has some 400 scientists dedicated to the review of pesticides to ensure only products that are both safe and effective come to market. Municipal bans on pesticide use may result in short-term political gains but the long-term consequences for residents are fewer tools to protect their homes, gardens, golf courses, infrastructure and food supply from the devastating impacts of pests.

The exemptions for some continued pesticide use on golf courses as well as their continued use on rail corridors is recognition of the essential role they play. Left unchecked, weeds, insects and disease can destroy golf course terrain and lead to safety hazards around rights of way.

On the farm, Quebec farmers are already facing enormous challenges in the face of changing climate conditions and increased regulatory burdens. It is critical that we not stigmatize the safe tools they use to protect their crops. Losses on the farm not only hurt local farmers but result in less choice and higher food prices for consumers. Quebec farmers need as many tools in their toolbox as they can get to continue to be competitive and serve Quebeckers.

Policy decisions that ignore science often have unintended and far-reaching consequences. In this case, not only is it going to damage the local golf industry but it threatens local food production by furthering harmful and erroneous narratives about the safety and importance of pesticides.

Pierre Petelle
President and CEO, CropLife Canada