23-4 Pesticide Regulation

How Are Pesticides Regulated in Canada?

At the federal level, all pesticides manufactured, imported, sold, or used in Canada are regulated by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), a branch of Health Canada. The major piece of legislation is the Pest Control Products Act (2002). This act governs all pesticides, including insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. It also regulates a host of related chemicals such as insect repellents, wood preservatives, and swimming pool algicides. Manufacturers of these products must satisfy the PMRA that the benefits of a given product far outweigh any potential risks. The PMRA stands ready to take action if problems arise.

At the provincial level, pesticide use is controlled by a variety of acts and regulations designed to ensure proper use, storage, and disposal of pesticides. All pesticides used within the provinces must be among those registered with and approved by the federal government. At the municipal level, public concern over the use of pesticides for strictly aesthetic reasons has led to a variety of initiatives. In 1991, the Montreal suburb of Hudson became the first Canadian municipality to ban the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes on lawns. The ban did not apply to farmland, and the owners of golf courses were given a five-year grace period in which to find alternative means of pest control. Landscapers and lawn-care companies opposed the ban and took the matter to court.

In response to this groundswell of public support, an increasing number of provinces have developed provincewide legislation banning or severely restricting the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes; this overrides municipal bylaws and provides a consistent level of protection for all citizens throughout a given province. Quebec enacted the first provincewide legislation in 2006. By 2009, provincewide legislation banning or restricting the cosmetic use of pesticides was in effect in Ontario, New Brunswick, Alberta, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.