Canadian Cancer Society proposes ban on use of cosmetic pesticides in B.C.

“Over the next 40 days, British Columbians can make their voices heard and join the fight for cancer prevention and against the use of cosmetic pesticides,” says Barbara Kaminsky, CEO, Canadian Cancer Society B.C. and Yukon. “It is time for the provincial government to accept the research and listen to the vast majority of British Columbians who want pesticide legislation.”

Kaminsky says that in 2010, B.C. will have an opportunity to demonstrate national leadership by adopting the strongest cosmetic pesticide ban in Canada.

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 In addition to adopting some of the standards set in the Province of Ontario’s ban, the Society’s proposed bill goes further and includes:

• immediate ban on use of cosmetic pesticides on all sports fields including those being used for an international or national event;
• municipalities to pass stronger cosmetic pesticide bylaws, as they have done in passing smoke-free bylaws;
• ban on the use of cosmetic pesticides on B.C. golf courses within three years; and,
• establishment of a public education campaign and ‘white list’ of low risk products that can be used as alternatives to cosmetic pesticides.

A complete copy of the proposal is available at www.cancer.ca/bc. The proposal focuses on cosmetic uses of pesticides; pesticide use in forestry and agriculture are beyond the scope of the proposal. Click to watch a short video

“It is important that the B.C. consultation leads to a new law this year that can come into effect this time next year,” says Kaminsky. “Most important of all, however, is that the B.C. government does not pass weak legislation like that has been the case in other jurisdictions.”