Ministers meet with provincial Pesticide Working Group

The provincial Pesticide Working Group (PWG) recently met with Health and Community Services Minister Gerald Smith and Environment Minister Kevin Aylward. The meeting was a follow- up to an initial discussion held in July 2002 in which the Pesticide Working Group asked government to take action on the unnecessary use of cosmetic pesticides occurring in Newfoundland and Labrador.

In Canada, over the past few years, there has been much public attention to the use of cosmetic pesticides and the potential for those pesticides to cause illness in people. The Province of Qu�bec has undergone a public consultation on a plan that could see a ban on the use of commonly used pesticides on municipal and provincial properties while a ban on privately owned commercial and residential properties will be phased in over three years. In addition, over 40 cities and towns across Canada, including Halifax, Nova Scotia, have passed by-laws banning or restricting the cosmetic use of pesticides.

"In light of the ongoing discussion surrounding the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be reviewing this issue in great detail over the next few months," said Minister Smith. "Until government has carried out this work, the public is encouraged to exercise caution and to consider using alternatives to pesticides in and around their homes."

Minister Aylward thanked the provincial Pesticide Working Group for their work on this issue to date and said he is looking forward to working with the group on future initiatives to reduce the public�s exposure to the unnecessary use of pesticides.

Peter Dawe, executive director, Newfoundland and Labrador Division, Canadian Cancer Society said that he is very pleased to hear from Ministers Smith and Aylward that the provincial government plans to review and enhance the legislation, enforcement and education issues that would be elements of a strategy to protect the public from these substances. "The Canadian Cancer Society believes there is enough scientific evidence concerning the harmful affects of certain pesticides that their cosmetic use should be banned."

Media contact:

Cynthia Layden-Barron, Environment, (709) 729-2575
Diane Keough, Health and Community Services, (709) 729-1377
Peter Dawe, Newfoundland and Labrador Division, Canadian Cancer Society (709)753-6700

2002 12 03                                         3:00 p.m.