Send your letter today to save bees!

Take Action Now to Protect Bees from Harmful Pesticides!

-- Deadline is Thursday, March 23rd -- Deadline is midnight tonight - please sign the letter and help #SaveTheBees

Science is clear that use of neonic pesticides is one of the biggest threats to bees in North America.(1)

Right now, Health Canada is accepting public comments on eliminating one of these bee-killing pesticides.

Health Canada has studied the issue and puts forth good arguments for banning one of the worst neonic pesticides called imidacloprid right now. Imidacloprid is of particular concern because of its excessive use, and the strong science that confirms its presence and accumulation in aquatic systems.

Health Canada’s research found:

Imidacloprid is being measured in our waterways at levels that are harmful to aquatic insects. These insects are an important part of the ecosystem, including as a food source for fish, birds and other animals.
There is potential risk to birds and small mammals from feeding on seeds that are treated with imidacloprid

The Health Canada conclusion: “Use of imidacloprid in agricultural areas is not sustainable”(2)

But instead of banning this pesticide immediately, Health Canada says it's introducing regulations to phase it out slowly over the next 3 to 5 years.

This doesn’t make sense -- Is Health Canada listening to pesticide companies over the voices of farmers and concerned Canadians?

Bees, bugs, and birds need our help now. The rusty-patched bumblee was one of the most common bees in Southern Ontario but is now considered engangered there - and pesticides are a contrbuting factor. (3)

Pesticides like imidacloprid already do significant damage - letting this continue for 3 to 5 years is unconscionable.

Tell Health Canada to listen to its own research and ban imidacloprid now.

Send your letter and comments below to Health Canada today. Please note that personalized messages get a lot more attention from decision-makers!

Public comment period ends March 23rd -- so act today!

P.S. - In the coming year, 2 more proven bee-killer pesticides may be coming up for regulation - clothianidin and thiamethoxam. We need to show Health Canada we care about this issue by coming on strong right now!

Please send your letter below today!

Thank you for taking action.

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Kristina Jackson - Save The Bees Campaigner
Sierra Club Canada Foundation
kristinaj@sierraclub.ca

1 – Environmental Science and Pollution Research, January 2015: Vol. 22, Issue 1. Special issue: Worldwide Integrated Assessment of the Impact of Systemic Pesticides on Biodiversity and Ecosystems.

2—Health Canada website online here

3 - Profile of the rusty-patched bumblebee

To: Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA)

cc: Minister of Health, Hon. Jane Philpott

Message Subject *

Your message *

Honorable Minister Philpott and good people at the PMRA:
 
Please accept these comments as part of the public consultation on the Re-evaluation Imidacloprid (file PRVD2016-20). I believe the Health Canada study of the issue indicates a ban on this pesticide is necessary and that it should come as soon as possible.
 
There is an urgency to removing this pesticide from usage that contradicts a slow 3-5 year phase-out:

·         Pesticides such as Imidacloprid are a contributing factor to the decline in critical bee populations 
·         Accumulation of Imidacloprid in aquatic systems is proven to damage the insect-life and the fish and birds dependent on it (Health Canada's own study)
·         Studies have shown bird population declines in Europe tied to Imidacloprid (Nature, July 17, 2014).
 
The PMRA should use this opportunity to ban the use and sale of Imidacloprid. Other countries have acted decisively to remove neonicotinoids from the market and Canada should. too.

Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

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