Minister provides update on possible use of Agent Orange

Environment and Conservation Minister Tom Osborne today provided an update on the investigation into the possible use of Agent Orange in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We have contacted provincial and federal government departments as well as a number of

provincial agencies and companies asking for information into the possible use of Agent Orange in the province. To date, we have received a number of responses from the contacted organizations and all information indicates that Agent Orange was not used in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Osborne.

The minister stressed it is important to remember that Agent Orange was never commercially available in either Canada or the United States. "Since the compound could not be purchased for use, it is very unlikely that the compound was used by the provincial government, agencies or businesses. However, concerns were expressed to me that the Agent Orange was used in the province back in the 1960s and 1970s, and I committed to look into the matter," he said.

Research completed to date indicates that one of the ingredients used to make Agent Orange was a herbicide called 2,4,5-T. This herbicide was registered for use in Canada and was used in this province; however, that compound is not Agent Orange. The herbicide 2,4,5-T was last used in Canada in 1982 and has not been registered for use in Canada since 1985.

"The herbicide 2,4,5-T was used in Newfoundland and Labrador when it was a registered herbicide. It has not been used for over 23 years. However, anecdotal reports suggest that those who worked with the herbicide 2,4,5-T referred to it as Agent Orange, but it is not the same thing," said Minister Osborne. "As part of the investigation, the department is researching the use of that herbicide in the province. To date, the only use of the herbicide 2,4,5-T was for an experimental spray program in a remote area in Central Newfoundland and along a small section of the highway in the Western region. These two areas and uses have already been publicly disclosed. Information received from other agencies and businesses indicates no other use of the herbicide 2,4,5-T in the province."

The minister explained that many of the departments, agencies and businesses contacted indicated it would take some time to research old records. "I am very pleased with the level of cooperation we are receiving from departments, agencies and businesses as we investigate this matter. I realize that these organizations have to search through records that are several decades old and that can take time," he said. "To do a proper investigation, we need as much information as possible and, therefore, it is incumbent on me to allow departments and agencies the necessary time to do a thorough and complete search of their records.

"This is an active and on-going investigation for my department and I take the concerns raised very seriously. We are following-up with departments and agencies, and gathering all information possible. I will continue to report on the findings as the department moves forward with its research into this matter," concluded Minister Osborne.

Media contact: Diane Keough, Environment and Conservation, (709) 729-2575, 685-4401

2006 01 30                                  3:50 p.m.