It’s going to be ok to spray lawns for dandelions, cinch bugs and grubs in Manitoba again, but there are no signs that Ontario is going to follow suit.
The Manitoba government said it’s not the expert on the pesticides safety – the federal health department‘s Pest Management Regulatory Agency is.
Manitoba’s NDP government banned the cosmetic use of pesticides on lawns, parks and other public spaces in 2014. Now the the Conservatives are reversing that, but retaining bans for sensitive areas and where there are children and pets, such as schools, hospitals, child-care centres and provincial parks.
“We recognize Health Canada as the foremost expert in this field to evaluate pesticides,” said environment, climate and parks minister Jeff Wharton.
“Pesticides registered with Health Canada go through a rigorous review process that assesses the risk of pesticides to human health, animal health and the environment, and must meet strict health and safety measures. Manitoba will continue to rely on Health Canada to evaluate pesticide products and all pesticides sold and used in Manitoba.”
In Ontario, it’s not scientists, but politicians, who decide who can use what pesticides, when and where. For example, it’s ok to spray golf course lawns for weeds, but not household lawns.
