P.E.I. falling behind on lawn pesticides

P.E.I. will be left even further behind once Manitoba becomes the next province to ban the use of cosmetic pesticides, says the group Earth Action.

Manitoba is set to bring in the ban in two years that will prohibit all synthetic pesticides for lawn care.

"We've got pretty comprehensive bans in a number of provinces, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba's just announced a ban upcoming, and in BC there's overwhelming support for a ban there," said Earth Action co-ordinator Sharon Labchuk.

"P.E.I. and New Brunswick, we're tied for the worst legislation in Canada right now."

P.E.I.'s legislation was introduced three years ago. It bans the use of one of the most common pesticide ingredients, 2,4-D, but Labchuk said other chemicals are being used in its place.

She's urging Premier Robert Ghiz to introduce a total cosmetic pesticide ban in the legislature this fall.