Canadian Public Health Association Adopts Resolution On Pesticides

The resolution dealing with the non-essential use of chemical pesticides on public and private lands was adopted in Yellowknife, N.W.T. at the Canadian Public Health Association's annual general meeting. It reads as follows:

2002 CPHA Resolution No. 6
The Non-Essential Use of Chemical Pesticides on Public and Private Lands

Submitted by the Ontario Public Health Association

WHEREAS the protection of human and environmental health should be the absolute priority in pest management, especially the protection of children and other vulnerable populations,

AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT CPHA urge the federal, provincial and territorial government departments of Health and of Environment, and the FCM to work together to strengthen legislation governing pesticide use, reduce the non-essential use of pesticides, educate the public about the health effects and alternatives to chemical pesticides, and promote Integrated Pest Management Strategies,

AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT CPHA advocate and encourage Provincial/Territorial Branches/Associations for adequate resources for provincial public health units so that they may act as a resource to municipalities on pesticide reduction initiatives, to educate the public about the health effects of pesticides,

AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT CPHA collaborate and network with other health and environmental organizations that support restricting the non-essential use of pesticides.

Resolution on CPHA site