To whom it may concern, I am…

To whom it may concern,

I am writing in support of ending the use of neonicotinoid insecticides.

Federal and provincial governments share responsibility for regulating pesticides, but I’m concerned that neither is stepping up to adequately respond to the threat neonics pose to biodiversity.

Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency has proposed to phase out most uses of neonics but is stalling on finalizing its decision and contemplates further delaying implementation by three to five years.

Meanwhile, the Ontario government is proposing changes to its Pesticides Regulation that go in the wrong direction, inviting overuse of neonics by removing existing accountability mechanisms.

Neonics represent a major worldwide threat to biodiversity and ecosystems. In addition to well-documented threats to pollinators, the three main neonics — imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam —are contaminating Ontario waters at levels harmful to aquatic insects. Aquatic insects are an important part of the ecosystem. They provide food for fish, birds and other animals. Delaying action for another three to five years, as proposed, would allow neonics to continue to accumulate in the environment and prolong risks to many beneficial species.

The Province of Quebec now restricts all agricultural uses of neonics (not just treated corn and soybean seeds, as in Ontario), and the European Union banned outdoor agricultural use of the three main neonics more than a year ago.

To protect biodiversity, Ontario should strengthen — not weaken — its Pesticides Regulation. Canada should match the European timeline and ban clothianidin, thiamethoxam and imidacloprid, without further delay.