Toronto: Chock up another victory for
pesticide reduction and, in time for Earth Day, a green-tinged government responding
to public aspirations. “With polls consistently showing over 70% support for
banning cosmetic pesticide use, the Ontario government today introduced what
may become the most progressive legislation of its kind in the world,” noted
Kathleen Cooper, Senior Researcher with the Canadian Environmental Law
Association (CELA).

 “We need to review
the details, including key implementing regulations, but Ontario’s proposed law
provides for a comprehensive ban. It also addresses a key shortcoming of
pesticide bylaws with a ban on sales of those products that are solely for
cosmetic purposes,” Cooper noted.

In support of this
initiative, CELA has participated in a broad coalition of health professionals,
experts in environment and public health and thousands of Ontario residents.
The coalition issued a joint statement in January calling for a comprehensive
approach including a ban on use and sales and complementary educational work.
“With planned implementation to take effect in 2009, educational work to ensure
a smooth transition must start immediately,” stated Cooper.The government heard us and has introduced an
excellent piece of legislation. It builds on many years of work by health and
environmental organizations and thousands of concerned citizens in
municipalities across Ontario whose efforts have been so instrumental in
helping to eliminate needless pesticide use in Canada.

“We were also very
happy to hear Premier McGuinty indicate at this morning’s announcement in
Toronto that municipalities will continue to have the power to pass stricter
bylaws in response to local circumstances and public concerns. We look forward
to seeing these bylaw-making powers ensured in the final text of this new law,”
Cooper stated.

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- For
more information:

Kathleen Cooper, Senior Researcher, 705-341-2488 (cell) kcooper@cela.caPour des entrevues en français, veuillez contacter Christopher Waffle, 416-960-2284, ext. 226 cwaffle@cela.ca