Health Canada releases final pollinator re-evaluation decisions for neonicotinoid pesticides

Some cancellations and new restrictions to protect bees and other pollinators

OTTAWA, April 11, 2019 /CNW/ - Protecting the health and safety of Canadians and the environment is a priority for the Government of Canada. This includes helping to protect the health of bees and other pollinators by minimizing their exposure to pesticides.

After extensive research and review, Health Canada has completed its re-evaluations of the neonicotinoid pesticides clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in relation to their potential impact on bees and other pollinators, and has released the final decisions for each. The scientific assessments show varying effects on bees and other pollinators from exposure to each of these pesticides. To protect bees and other pollinators, Health Canada has announced that it will be cancelling some uses of these pesticides, and changing other conditions of use such as restricting the timing of application. Remaining uses (e.g., treatment on canola seeds and greenhouse vegetables) are not expected to pose unacceptable risks to bees and other pollinators.

In Canada, all pesticides must undergo a rigorous, science-based review before being approved for sale. Health Canada also regularly re-evaluates pesticides to make sure that they continue to meet modern health and safety standards.

In 2012, Health Canada began re-evaluations of three neonicotinoids to address growing concerns around bee health. The Department issued proposed decisions for clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in December 2017, May 2018 and December 2017, respectively, and consulted the public and stakeholders. All comments and information received during the consultation periods were considered and helped inform the final decisions.

These pollinator re-evaluations considered hundreds of scientific studies, from both manufacturers and published literature. Cancellations and new restrictions will be implemented over a two- to three-year period, in accordance with the Department's Policy on Cancellations and Amendments Following Re-evaluation and Special Review. 

The Department continues to evaluate the potential risks to aquatic insects from the use of neonicotinoids. Current research shows that these pesticides are detected frequently in waterbodies at levels that could be harmful to certain aquatic organisms. The Department expects to report on its findings at the end of 2019.

Quick Facts

• In 2014, Health Canada implemented risk mitigation measures to help protect bees and other pollinators from exposure to neonicotinoid-contaminated dust that occurs from planting treated seeds.
• With these risk mitigation measures in place, the number of bee incidents in 2014, 2015 and 2016 were 70-80% lower than in 2013.
• The Department continued to see a decline in the number of incidents reported during planting in 2017 and 2018. 
• Other factors (e.g., favourable weather conditions) might have contributed to the reduction in bee incidents, including deaths.

Associated Links

Pollinator Protection 
Health Canada to consult on plan to phase out most uses of the neonicotinoids clothianidin and thiamethoxam 
Health Canada to consult on plan to manage agricultural uses of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid to protect aquatic insects

SOURCE Health Canada

Contacts, Thierry Bélair, Office of Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, 613-957-0200; Media Relations, Health Canada, 613-957-2983, [email protected]; Public Inquiries: 613-957-2991, 1-866-225-0709