Environmental group regrets Manitoba's review of pesticide ban

A Manitoba-based environmental advocacy groupsays it's disappointed Brian Pallister's government is reviewing the newly-implemented ban on cosmetic pesticides in the province.

"We regret that this is being opened up for discussion again,"said Karen Peters, executive director of the Manitoba Eco-Network, adding that the current pesticide restrictions were beneficial to Manitobans.

"We think the existing law was protecting vulnerable people, children, pregnant people and animals," said Peters.

Sustainable Development Minister Cathy Cox issued a call on Monday for publicfeedbackon the ban,which prohibitscertain chemicals to control weeds on lawns and around sidewalks, schools and hospitals.

The legislationcame into effect under the previous NDP government in 2015. At the time, then minister of conservation and water stewardshipGordMackintosh said synthetic pesticides pose a risk to human life, especially among children.

While in opposition, Progressive Conservative leader Brian Pallister urged the Selinger government to reconsider the cosmeticpesticide ban.

Within weeks of taking office,the PCs said they were open to reviewing the legislation.

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The province is now gathering information that would be used in such a review. Cox said in a press release that she "wants to hear from Manitobans about their experiences" with the regulations.

"The purpose of the legislation is to reduce the exposure of people and pets to herbicides used in lawn care for non-essential or cosmetic purposes," she said in the press release.

"We are committed to finding the right balance between protecting the environment, minimizing the impact, and providing usable, aesthetic green spaces in our communities."

In 2015 the World Health Organization listed glyphosate, a key ingredient in Roundup as a probable carcinogen.

However, its toxicity to humans is still a hotly debated matter.

The Manitoba government is asking Manitobans to emailpesticide.review.2016@gov.mb.caor fill outan onlinesurvey beforeSept. 12 to comment on the pesticide ban.

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