Legislative Changes Afoot

As a result of overwhelming research indicating the potentially fatal danger of pesticides, and their many adverse health effects, more than 130 municipalities in Canada have banned the use of cosmetic pesticides on private property. At its recent annual meeting, the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities (UNSM) passed a resolution requesting that the Province allow every municipality the right to govern itself with respect to cosmetic pesticides. This would include the right to adopt a pesticide bylaw if they so choose. The resolution was adopted without a single negative vote, and the province has since ordered a review of the HRM by-law for the purpose of considering its replication in all municipalities.

In the meantime, Prince Edward Island and Ontario are considering following Quebec’s lead and banning cosmetic pesticides provincially. The pressure on Ontario to do so was bolstered on January 11, 2008, when 15 prominent health and environmental organizations, including the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, the Ontario Medical Association, and the Ontario College of Family Physicians, called on the McGuinty government to act on its promise to ban cosmetic pesticides. According to the coalition, “The links between pesticide use and illnesses such as cancer and neurological problems mean quick action is needed from the government.”

Health experts agree: the health risks associated with pesticides are not worth it.