The Western Canadian Wheat Growers (WCWG) has made its submission to the Pest Management Regulatory Agency’s review of the Pest Control Products Act.
In a news release, the organization says Canada’s pesticide regulatory system is one of the most robust science-based regulatory systems in the world, adding reviews of our regulatory systems should be done on a regular basis to ensure that the systems remain current and strong. WCWG adds that on August 4, 2021, the federal government paused a decision that put the science-based decision-making process on food security in jeopardy through political interference.
“We believe the Pest Control Products Act is fit for purpose and that added improvements and regulatory modernization can be achieved via updated guidance documents and internal policy implementation,” stated Gunter Jochum, President.
“We would support PMRA Program renewal with more transparent decision-making, more predictable risk assessment and the ability to bring in data earlier rather than modelling worst case scenarios. Science-based decisions must be the final recommendations, and not interfered with by politicians or bureaucrats,” added Jim Wickett, Secretary-Treasurer.
“The establishment of independent external advisors to essentially oversee the work of the PMRA is foolhardy at best and dangerous at worst. Such proposed changes could have a dramatic impact over how pesticides will be reviewed and administered in Canada over a long period of time,” noted Daryl Fransoo, Chair.