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 www.caps.20m.comCanadians Against Pesticides |
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| CHAIR'S PREFACE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION 1 - FEDERAL REGULATORY SYSTEM 2 - NEED FOR NEW LEGISLATION 3 - HISTORY OF PESTICIDE USE 4 - PESTICIDES IN THE ENVIRONMENT 5 - POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES ON HEALTH 6 - VULNERABILITY OF CHILDREN 7 - OTHER VULNERABLE GROUPS 8 - RISK AND VALUE ASSESSMENTS 9 - RISK MANAGEMENT 10 - RE-EVALUATION OF PESTICIDES 11 - ALTERNATIVES TO PESTICIDES 12 - URGENT NEED FOR ACTION 13 - INFORMING THE PUBLIC 14 SPECIAL INFORMATION NEEDS 15 INSTITUTIONAL CHANGES 16 INTERNATIONAL HARMONIZATION FUNDING DILEMMA GLOSSARY RECOMMENDATIONS APPENDIX A - WITNESSES APPENDIX B - ADD'L BRIEFS REQUEST FOR RESPONSE MINUTES |
One of the most important reports on the effects of pesticides and the condition of pesticide legislation in Canada was authored by the Standing Committee on The Environment and Sustainable Development. Their report, "Pesticides, Making the Right Choice For the Protection of Health and The Environment" (May 16, 2000) was administered by Committee Chairman Charles Caccia, MP Davenport. Upon a mere cursory look at the Executive Summary of this report, it is clear that: 1) Pesticide Exposure Compromises Human Health, Especially Children's Health 2) Profound Change To The Pest Control Products Act Is Long Overdue 3) Canadians MUST Rethink Our Reliance On Cosmetic-Use Chemicals 4) Canadians AND The Federal Government MUST Rethink Our Reliance On Chemicals In Food Production Along the left side of this page are links to each section of this lengthy document. We encourage you to read the entire report and ask that you pay particular attention to the effects of pesticides on children, the current methods used to assess "Maximum Residue Levels" (MRL's), the role of the CFIA (Candian Food Insepction Agency) in assessing and reporting residue levels on domestic and imported foods and the process that is currently and historically used to demonstrate pesticide safety before its approval and registration. We also make strong mention of the desperate need for re-assessment of ALL pesticides currently registered or pending registration using the PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE. This principle states that: Under the PCPA, pesticide manufacturers obtain their own studies to demonstrate product safety. This procedure was established by the PCPA and obviously lends itself to the great potential for Industry influence over study results. I underscore this point by reflecting on a conversation I had in June, 2000 with a spokesperson from the Ontario College of Family Physicians. When asked what his feelings were about pesticide exposure studies that were funded by pesticide manufacturers he said It is also significant to note the Official Opposition's dissenting opinion of this report. This opinion was offered by representatives of the CANADIAN ALLIANCE and also demonstrates a complete lack of appreciation for the fundamnetal tenet that "children's health must come first". Please remind your local MP, MPP and municipal councillors and mayors of the contents of this report. They need to review it and understand the dire consequences of current legislation and of their complicity with allowing cosmetic-use pesticides on public and private lands. They need to realize that our food source is heavily compromised and that our children are the first to suffer its devastating effects. ACT NOW - Contact your representatives from each level of government and send the message: PESTICIDES MUST BE BANNED NOW |
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