Municipalities Encouraged As Bill On Pesticides Passes 2nd Reading
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Municipalities Encouraged As Patten's Bill On Pesticides Passes 2nd Reading
Date:
Fri, 6 Dec 2002 09:51:53
From:
Stephen Tvedten <steve@getipm.com>
Organization: Get Set Inc. (www.getipm.com)
To: Paul Helliker <phelliker@cdpr.ca.gov>
Director, State of California, Department of Pesticide
Regulation
cc: Christine Whitman whitman.christine@epa.gov
December 5, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Municipalities Encouraged As Patten's Bill On Pesticides Passes 2nd Reading
Ontario's municipalities may finally have the support needed to introduce by-laws banning the cosmetic use of pesticides should this bill come into effect. Bill 208 Municipal Amendment Act (Prohibiting the use of Pesticides) is enabling legislation giving authority to municipalities to prohibit pesticide use if the municipality is of the opinion that there is a threat to the health safety and well being of its citizens.
"I'm delighted that colleagues on all sides of the House today acknowledged the importance of my Bill by passing it on second reading. This is a decisive step for the well being of communities, for the long term health of our children and all future generations" said Patten.
In 2001 a landmark decision by the Supreme Court of Canada for Hudson Quebec affirmed the right of municipalities to restrict the use of pesticides on both public and private property. While Ontario municipalities should have the same ability as the Town of Hudson to regulate pesticide use, it remains unclear whether municipalities will have this right under the new Municipal Act provisions, which takes effect January 1st 2003. "It is important to remove this doubt so that municipalities can take the appropriate steps to reduce the public's exposure to the non-essential toxins. Bill Pr208 provides that necessary clarification" City of Ottawa Councillor Alex Cullen.
Strong evidence linking pesticide exposure to serious illnesses ranging from acute leukemia in children, to breast cancer and to prostate cancer was presented during today's debate on Bill 208. Numerous health officials and organizations agree that where there are serious implications to human health and the environment, the precautionary principle must apply.
"Given the overwhelming evidence against the use of pesticides, I believe the time to take a proactive stance on this issue is now. I say this as a medical professional who works with cancer patients daily, rather than as some form of fanatic who has found a "cause celebre" Dr. Richard Van der Jagt (Oncologist, Ottawa Hospital).
The Bill now goes to the Justice and Social Policy Committee for consideration.
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Contact:
Richard Patten (416) 325-1628
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