Environmental group regrets Manitoba's review of pesticide ban
Pallister government says it will review restriction on cosmetic pesticides in Manitoba
A Manitoba-based environmental advocacy group says it's disappointed Brian Pallister's government is reviewing the newly-implemented ban on cosmetic pesticides in the province.
"We regret that this is being opened up for discussion again," said Karen Peters, executive director of the Manitoba Eco-Network, adding that the current pesticide restrictions were beneficial to Manitobans.
"We think the existing law was protecting vulnerable people, children, pregnant people and animals," said Peters.
Sustainable Development Minister Cathy Cox issued a call on Monday for public feedback on the ban, which prohibits certain chemicals to control weeds on lawns and around sidewalks, schools and hospitals.
The legislation came into effect under the previous NDP government in 2015. At the time, then minister of conservation and water stewardship Gord Mackintosh said synthetic pesticides pose a risk to human life, especially among children.
While in opposition, Progressive Conservative leader Brian Pallister urged the Selinger government to reconsider the cosmetic pesticide ban.
Within weeks of taking office, the PCs said they were open to reviewing the legislation.
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The province is now gathering information that would be used in such a review. Cox said in a press release that she "wants to hear from Manitobans about their experiences" with the regulations.
"The purpose of the legislation is to reduce the exposure of people and pets to herbicides used in lawn care for non-essential or cosmetic purposes," she said in the press release.
"We are committed to finding the right balance between protecting the environment, minimizing the impact, and providing usable, aesthetic green spaces in our communities."
In 2015 the World Health Organization listed glyphosate, a key ingredient in Roundup as a probable carcinogen.
However, its toxicity to humans is still a hotly debated matter.
The Manitoba government is asking Manitobans to email pesticide.review.2016@gov.mb.ca or fill out an online survey before Sept. 12 to comment on the pesticide ban.
with files from Bartley Kives and Meagan Fiddler