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No need for a provincewide cosmetic-pesticide ban

I disagree with federal Green candidate Donovan Caver's call for a provincewide cosmetic-pesticide ban

Editor, The Times:

I disagree with federal Green candidate Donovan Caver's call for a provincewide cosmetic-pesticide ban as being a strong start to the tenure of Environment Minister Terry Lake.

I would expect more from our newly appointed minister when dealing with the issue of a provincial pesticide ban.

Ramming through such a ban just to strengthen his tenure would certainly prove Lake is not capable of handling this important position.

Before making a knee-jerk decision, I would expect Lake to refer to experts on the subject.

And, by experts I don't mean the Canadian Cancer Society or other advocacy groups as they do not have expertise in the field of pesticides.

Experts are toxicologists, doctors and scientists whose expertise is in the field of pesticides.

Health Canada would be a good start.

If Lake refers to such experts, he and Premier Christy Clark will find the current Integrated Pest Management Act, regulations and legislation are all that is needed.

There is no evidence the combined federal and provincial acts are failing to protect the health of British Columbians.

The province does not need a ban on these safe, tested, regulated and legislated pest-control products.

Jacquie Doherty

Grassroots Liquid Fertilizer and Weed Control

 

Kamloops, B.C.