Canada Takes Next Steps Towards Sustainable Pesticide Management: Government Announces Key Measures

The Government of Canada, led by the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), and the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), has unveiled significant initiatives to promote responsible pesticide management across the country while supporting farmers in providing safe and nutritious food. These measures are in line with Canada's commitment to the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to reduce the overall risk from pesticides by at least half by 2030. 

1. Amendments to the Pest Control Products Regulations (PCPR): 

- Health Canada is launching consultations on proposed amendments to the PCPR, following consultations on the Pest Control Products Act in 2022. 

- The amendments aim to evaluate acceptable increases in pesticide residue limits in line with international guidelines. 

- Ensuring the health and safety of Canadians remains a top priority throughout the process. 

2. Elimination of Cosmetic Pesticide Use on Federal Lands: 

- The Government of Canada, through the Greening Government Strategy (GGS) led by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS), is banning the use of cosmetic pesticides on federal lands. 

- The GGS focuses on transitioning to net-zero carbon and climate-resilient operations by 2050, reducing environmental impacts beyond carbon, including waste, water, and biodiversity. 

3. Generating Real-World Data: 

- The ECCC will gather real-world data to enhance understanding of pesticide impacts on the environment and to support sustainable pesticide management in Canada. 

4. Alignment with the Biodiversity Framework:   

- These actions align with Canada's commitment to the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which emphases the reduction of pesticide risks by 2030. 

- The focus is on the impacts of pesticides and risk management, rather than specifying reductions in pesticide use. 

5. Transparency and Accountability: 

- Health Canada is increasing transparency by posting plain language summaries of key decisions online and disclosing applicants' names during the review stage. 

- The external Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) for pest control products has been established and stakeholders are consulted on a continuous oversight approach and systematic review of emerging science.