Canada is revising its approach to pesticide regulation.

The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, recently unveiled proposed amendments that it says will promise greater transparency and community involvement in pesticide management.

The revisions focus on improving the visibility of the pesticide approval process and involve the public more effectively by providing early notifications for applications concerning Maximum Residue Limits on imported foods.

The amendments also propose granting the Minister of Health new powers to demand extensive information from companies regarding the environmental and cumulative effects of their products. It says this is to ensure that pesticide regulation in Canada is robust, science-based, and transparent.  However, pesticide manufacturers are concerned about these changes.

The government has allocated additional funds to strengthen the monitoring and promotion of sustainable pesticide use.

These initiatives are part of a comprehensive plan to not only maintain but improve the high standards of food safety and environmental stewardship in Canada.

Central to the amendments is the facilitation of independent research and data reanalysis, allowing for a more informed public discourse on pesticide use.

Wheat Growers recently shared a PDF prepared by Health Canada regarding the Use of pesticides in Agriculture, click here to view the sheet:  https://wheatgrowers.ca/wp-content/uploads/PCPA-Info_AG-Users_EN.pdf

The document states “Users of pesticides in agriculture are regulated parties that can be subject to a compliance verification by Health Canada. When a violation is identified as a result of an inspection, sample analysis or verification of records, enforcement actions are taken in accordance with Health Canada’s Compliance and enforcement policy for pesticides. Health Canada has a number of enforcement tools at its disposal, including warning letters, compliance orders and administrative monetary penalties up to $10,000 per violation.”