a) I absolutely support the…

a) I absolutely support the retention of the Ontario Pesticide Advisory Committee. It is essential to have an arm's length group assessing and classifying pesticides. Cosmetic pesticides in particular must be carefully controlled.

b) Harmonization of Ontario pesticide standards with the PMRA is absolutely unacceptable. I have been involved in pesticide research and know well that new pesticides are sometimes rushed to market with limited review, and with post-release evaluation. We cannot do this with cosmetic pesticides. Urban green spaces are a critical for native insects and wildlife. We must maintain this habitat, especially for pollinator ecosystems.

c) Further, to have one person designated as the gatekeeper for approval of new pesticides (the Director) is a recipe for faulty decision-making with questionable sources. The pesticide industry provides most if not all of the test data on new products. They also have very strong marketing techniques that are designed to be persuasive at best. One individual cannot be made responsible for assessing marketing information from industry, it invites both ignorance and corruption.

d) It is equally important to have ongoing accountability and review of agricultural pesticide use, especially regarding its impact on pollinators. Neonics and new generation substitutes absolutely need responsible oversight. Appropriate evaluation legislation must remain in place.

e) I call on the government of Ontario to remove Section 9 from Bill 132. It is environmentally extremely irresponsible.