Canada, Ban Honey Bee Killing Pesticides Now!
- by: Sophie Care
- recipient: Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Industry
37 million bees have died at just one Ontario honey farm this year.
The staggering number of dead honey bees in North America has garnered a lot of attention, and many beekeepers feel that pesticides and pesticide-laced seeds are to blame.
According to the Toronto Star, the pesticide in question (neonicotinoids) has been used on virtually all corn seeds in the Province of Ontario since 2004. That's nearly 10 years of bee poisoning.
The EU has implemented a mandatory two-year ban on the pesticide. But North America is still far behind, continuing to use the pesticide while conducting drawn out investigations.
Health Canada has the authority to mandate a ban like the EU. Demand that Health Canada take action and ban toxic pesticides. The honeybee population in Canada and abroad depend on it.
Health Canada;
According to a recent article you state that “if warranted, regulatory action will be taken at any time during the process to further protect bees.” The death of 37 million bees at just one apiary, seems like a good reason to investigate and ban the pesticide responsible.
Research done internationally, including in the European Union, has lead to a two year moratorium on the use of neonicotinoids in that region. Canada has the research and our honey bee populations have been destroyed due to the use of this pesticide.
Farmers are loosing their livelihoods. Health Canada, you have the ability to put a stop to the use of this pesticide. In doing so the bee population may be able to recover, farmers wont have to sell, and we'll ultimately be healthier.
Thank you.
