CropLife Canada response to Spring Economic Statement

CropLife Canada applauds the Government of Canada for identifying a change in mandate for the Pesticide Regulatory Directorate (PRD) - formerly the Pest Management Regulatory Agency - as a priority in the Spring Economic Statement as the country looks to drive economic growth and attract investment.

CropLife Canada, supported by its value chain partners, has long been advocating for structural change at the PRD to enable investment in Canada and elevate Canadian agriculture as a global superpower. We appreciate the recent attention of the Minister of Health, Marjorie Michel, on agriculture and on her efforts to drive bold action on regulatory modernization in Canada’s pesticide regulatory system. Changing the mandate of the PRD to include considerations related to food security and agricultural productivity growth will deliver meaningful, long-term benefits for Canadian agriculture.

The Spring Economic Statement included some concerning language about additional costs to registrants that would negate any potential benefits from the mandate change. We look forward to working with the Minister of Health and the department to ensure the mandate delivers tangible, meaningful outcomes that make Canada a top destination for investment in agricultural innovation.