Improved Canadian pest control product regulations proposed

Proposed amendments to Canada’s pest control product regulations (PCPR) will provide greater transparency while enhancing environmental protection, according to an announcement from Health Canada on June 17.

The proposed amendments were published in in Canada Gazette, Part I, and directly respond to input provided by stakeholders regarding the pesticide review process in Canada. This process began in 2022 with the targeted review of the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA), launched to bring strict standards for transparency and sustainability to pesticides in Canada.

“These proposed amendments would make the pesticide decision-making process more transparent. They will also address important stakeholder feedback and would lead to impactful changes that will ultimately improve our work, enhance public trust and help to build a more sustainable future for everyone living in Canada,” said Minister of Health Mark Holland in the news release.

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The proposed amendments include the facilitation of access to confidential test data for Canadians and clarifying the information needed from applicants to set maximum residue limits (MRLs) on imported foods.

In conjunction with the PCPA, the proposed amendments would require the Minister of Health to issue a public notification once an application for an MRL for an imported food product has been accepted for review. This early notification would improve transparency and enable better public participation in the pesticide decision-making process. In addition, the proposed amendments would provide the Minister with the explicit authority to require applicants to provide information on both cumulative effects on the environment and on species at risk.

The proposed amendments will reportedly enable easier and more efficient access to data and information on pesticides for the public, while facilitating independent research and reanalysis.

New funding was recently announced in Budget 2024 for Health Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to receive C$39 million over two years to further strengthen the pesticides regulatory system and monitor and promote sustainable pesticide use.

Health Canada also recently consulted on its proposed continuous oversight approach – a review of emerging science on pesticides for timely management of emerging risks to human and environmental safety.