Town of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia

LEGISLATIVE CHANGES PROVINCE WIDE

BAN ON THE USE AND SALE OF

NON-ESSENTIAL PESTICIDES

LEGISLATIVE CHANGES
PROVINCE-WIDE BAN ON THE USE AND SALE
OF NON-ESSENTIAL PESTICIDES

Question/Answer

Q.           What will the ban cover?
A. The proposed ban will cover residential lawns and, after April 1, 2012, is expected to cover outdoor shrubs, trees, flowers and other ornamental plants.
Q. What about the forestry and forestry sector?
 
A. The Act does not apply to forestry activities, agricultural activities, golf courses, Christmas tree operations and vegetable gardens.
 
Q. Does this ban all non-essential pesticides?
 
A. No, the Minister will establish a list of low-risk allowable pesticides which will be published as part of the regulations.
 
Q. Isn’t this going to have a negative impact on the lawn care industry?
 
A. The Minister indicated that the HRM ban has been in effect for some time and there seems to be little impact on the industry.
 
Q. Will there be fines for non-compliance?
 
A. Yes; the details will be developed as part of the regulations and penalties could be as high as $2,500 for individuals to $50,000 for commercial applications.
 
Q. Did the Government consult on this issue?
 
A. Yes, Minister Belliveau’s office received about 1700 submissions concerning the proposed ban; 80% wanted to see these kind of restrictions.
 
Q. Who did they talk to?
 
A. In addition to the Resolution from UNSM, Government also spoke to Landscape Nova Scotia, Pesticide Free Nova Scotia and the municipalities.
 
Q. If Health Canada approves these pesticides for use, why should they be banned?
 
A. Yes, Health Canada approves these products for use, but they also state that it is good practice to reduce or eliminate any unnecessary exposure.