TORONTO – Sierra Club’s #SaveTheBees campaign took a giant step forward today with the introduction of new regulations by the Ontario government.
RELATED: Read the Government of Ontario News Release, March 23, 2015
"These regulations will restrict the use of dangerous, bee-killing pesticides on corn and soybean crops," said John Bennett, National Program Director of the Sierra Club Canada Foundation (SCCF). “The new rules will cover millions of acres. It’s good news for the bees and other pollinators.”
SCCF worked closely with the Ontario Bee Keepers Association for two years to build support for today’s government action.
"It's not a total ban, but it is a huge step toward sustainable agriculture in Ontario. We applaud the government’s leadership,” said Mr. Bennett. "Now we are turning our sights on other provinces --it’s urgent that use bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides are is controlled in this country.”
Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency has long lost its ability to regulate the agri-chemical industry,” said Mr. Bennett.
SCCF has been strongly critical in the past of the government regulator’s relationship with former MP Ted Menzies, now CEO of the powerful lobby group CropLife (an industry organization representing pesticide makers).
John Bennett, National Program Director
Sierra Club Canada Foundation
1510-1 Nicholas Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 7B7
jb@sierraclub.ca
John on Twitter / Bennett Blog
CLICK HERE for more information on our #SaveTheBees campaign
