Huron-Bruce MPP's private member's bill supported by all parties

The passage of Bill 4 Thursday, with support from all parties, is a positive step forward in making the regulations surrounding Class 12 pesticides more workable for Ontario's corn and soybean producers, says Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson.

 

Bill 4, the Supporting Agricultural Experts in their Field Act, was introduced Sept. 13 by Thompson as a private member's bill, with the aim to eliminate the planned restrictions on professional pest advisors affiliated with manufacturers or retailers of Class 12 pesticides. After Thursday's successful vote, it now heads to committee for review and public consultation.

 

"Everyone close to crop production in Ontario is well aware that ON Reg. 63/09 was over the top," Thompson said. "I want to be clear in stating that the agri-food industry has taken great strides to research and understand the issue, develop a pollinator health plan, and educate farmers on new technologies so they can continue to be the best stewards of the land. This regulation was far too restrictive and entirely unnecessary."

 

In addition to ensuring that Ontario's 538 Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs) and 30 Professional Agrologists (PAgs) can continue their line of work unimpeded, the Bill also calls for the removal of restrictions on the employment of summer students, improved processes for conducting pest assessments, and the clarification of criteria that a minister or designate must consider when approving a candidate's application to become a professional pest advisor.

 

"Ontario's farming community is an important contributor to our economy, and the government should be treating it as such," said Thompson. "Burdening it with more regulations and an increasingly-restrictive operating environment is no way to grow the industry. The sector, as a whole, needs to see more support from this government, not more barriers."

 

To view the debate, click here: https://youtu.be/qdTCXm_YnhM