Proposed Non-essential Pesticides Ban Open to Comment

Nova Scotians will have an opportunity to comment on a proposed ban on the use and sale of non-essential lawn care pesticides.

A public consultation will help government better understand opinions, concerns and issues arising from the non-essential use of pesticides for residential, public and commercial lawn maintenance. Comments will be considered before decisions are made on changes to laws or regulations.

"The province is committed to fostering a healthier, more sustainable environment and is looking for ways to reduce non-essential pesticide use," said Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau. "This proposal is consistent with the municipalities' request and we look forward to hearing Nova Scotians' comments on it."

Health Canada has said it is good practice to reduce or eliminate unnecessary exposure to pesticides and Canadians should minimize exposure to pesticides.

Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency approves which pesticides may be sold or used in Canada. The provincial Department of Environment currently regulates how commercial and restricted pesticides may be sold, used, stored, disposed of and transported.

The provincial consultation will address the use and sale of pesticides for non-essential lawn care, not uses such as pest control to protect public health, maintain commercial golf courses, or agricultural and forestry application.

To view the Limiting Our Risk discussion paper about the proposed provincial ban on non-essential lawn care pesticides, and to provide comment, visit www.gov.ns.ca/nse/pests .

Comments will also be accepted by phone at 1-888-320-0555.

The deadline for comment is March 7.