This is a short article by Dr. Meg Sears, CACOR Member (03 Feb 2022, Hill Times)
Moving Canada off the toxic treadmill of key chemicals laws: Growers and foresters need research, knowledge, and support while Canada culls the pesticides portfolio
One month into 2022, scientists worldwide are calling for rapid transformation to counter chemicals and waste over-running the Earth’s systems, worsening climate chaos, and mass extinctions.
Closer to home, pollution contributes to the chronic diseases that predispose people to severe COVID-19. Pollution prevention and reduction are key for public health, and a vital public policy challenge for Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault and Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos. For decades, researchers have repeatedly demonstrated potential benefits of pollution prevention to Canadians, with potential savings of billions of dollars in healthcare, disaster response, and lost opportunities for those affected.
…If Canadian regulators are going to dismount from their toxic treadmill and protect human health and ecosystems, the Trudeau government and its newly minted Environment and Health Ministers must set out ambitious reforms for CEPA and the PCPA. Aligning Canada’s agriculture and manufacturing with progressive regions such as the European Union would boost trade with improved environmental profile of Canadian products.
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