BAN WOULD PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH & THE ENVIRONMENT TORONTO, Jan. 18 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government is beginning the first stage of consultations with Ontarians on how to shape legislation banning the cosmetic use of pesticides. A Notice of Proposal has been posted to the Environmental Registry inviting the public to provide initial comments. The registry is at www.ebr.gov.on.ca - registry number 010-2248. At the same time, the ministry will seek input from health and environmental groups, agriculture, golf courses, municipalities, the pesticides industry, retailers and others."There is growing concern about the potential harmful effects of these products on human health and the environment, and growing concern among medical professionals and ordinary Ontarians demanding action," Environment Minister John Gerretsen said. "We said we would ban the use of these products for cosmetic purposes and we're keeping that promise."The public will be invited to comment on the proposed legislation within the next couple of months."Just as we replaced a patchwork of local bylaws when we banned smokingprovince-wide, a cosmetic pesticide ban would create a single, comprehensive law for all Ontario communities that would better protect our health and the health of our kids," Gerretsen said. The proposed legislation would make Ontario a leader among Canadian jurisdictions who have taken action to ban or restrict cosmetic pesticides. A cosmetic pesticide ban is one component of the government's commitment to take action to protect the environment and the health of Ontarians from toxic chemicals in air, water, land and consumer products. COMMENTS CAN BE MADE ONLINE AT THE ENVIRONMENTAL REGISTRY AT www.ebr.gov.on.ca REGISTRY NUMBER 010-2248, OR YOU CAN DIRECT COMMENTS TO:
Robert Bilyea
Senior Policy Advisor
Ministry of the Environment
Integrated Environmental Planning Division
Strategic Policy Branch
135 St. Clair Avenue West
Floor 11
Toronto ON M4V 1P5
Phone: (416) 314-5605
Fax: (416) 314-2976 This proposal has been posted for a 30 day public review and comment period starting January 18, 2008 - February 17, 2008. All comments received prior to February 17, 2008 will be considered as part of the decision-making process by the Ministry of the Environment if they are submitted in writing or electronically using the form provided in this notice and reference EBR Registry number 010-2248.
Please Note: All comments and submissions received will become part of the public record. You will not receive a formal response to your comment, however, relevant comments received as part of the public participation process for this proposal will be considered by the decision maker for this proposal. |