February 26, 2013

71% of Manitobans want lawn pesticides gone

Rural and urban voters support ban; say pesticides threaten lakes

For Immediate Release – February 26, 2013

(Winnipeg, MB) Polling results released today indicate a large majority of Manitobans – 71% – support a law that would phase-out the use and sale of lawn and garden pesticides across the province. The survey shows broad support with rural, urban, and suburban residents agreeing at 86%, 72%, and 68% respectively, that cosmetic pesticides should be barred from use and sale. This is the first scientific poll on pesticides since the issue came up for debate last year.

“It’s clear Manitobans want and deserve the same protection from these unnecessary toxins as the millions of Canadians across Canada where provincial bans are already in place,” said Farrah Khan, a campaigner with the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment. Lawn and garden pesticides are already banned in six provinces from Ontario to Newfoundland. “Strong provincial legislation will take these poisons off store shelves and protect our most vulnerable population – our kids – from getting sick.”

This confirmation of public support is welcome news for the coalition known as Cosmetic Pesticide Ban Manitoba, who together with more than 25 local and national health and environment groups have called for a provincial ban on lawn and garden pesticides.

According to Winnipeg-based emergency physician, Dr. Paul Doucet, “peer-reviewed science consistently shows links between pesticide exposure and childhood cancer, birth defects, neurological problems, respiratory illness, and more. When non-toxic options are readily available, we should not put our health at risk simply for the appearance of a lawn.”

The new poll also reveals 77% of Manitobans see pesticides as a threat to the environment, including wildlife, air quality, and lakes; and 71% see lawn pesticides as a health threat to pets.

Earlier this month, Lake Winnipeg was named the world’s most threatened lake for 2013. Reducing toxic run-off is essential to protecting this and other water bodies across the province. Josh Brandon, communications coordinator at the Green Action Centre explains, “It’s no secret lawn pesticides are polluting our ecosystems. We hope the government will take action now to protect our lakes – while we still can.”

The polling was conducted by Oraclepoll Research. It involved a telephone survey of 498 Manitoba residents. The margin of error is +/- 4.4% 19/20 times.

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For more information, contact:

Farrah Khan, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE)

(w) 416-306-2273 (c) 647-886-2189

Josh Brandon, Green Action Centre and Cosmetic Pesticide Ban Manitoba

(w) (204) 898-6460(c) 204-898-6460

 

There was also a poll released February 18, 2013 that shows similar results.  It was commissioned by the Canadian Cancer Society and it polled British Columbians regarding their views of cosmetic pesticides.  Read about it here.

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About this group:

Cosmetic Pesticide Ban Manitoba is comprised of concerned citizens from a variety of groups who wish to create awareness and provide information about the important issue of a cosmetic pesticide ban in Manitoba.

The Provincial Government has entered into public consultations regarding a potential cosmetic pesticide ban in Manitoba.  This is the Play It Safe document which outlines why a cosmetic pesticide ban is being considered, which other provinces have a cosmetic pesticide ban, and what a cosmetic pesticide ban would entail.

Comments are accepted until October 1, 2012.  Comments can be left on this website: http://www.gov.mb.ca//conservation/envprograms/feedback.html.

We are calling for the complete ban on the sale and use of cosmetic pesticides (the use of chemicals to maintain the appearance of a landscape (eg. lawns and gardens) NOT to address a health issue or invasive species.

There are many natural alternatives to dealing with weeds in lawns and gardens, but the best defence against weeds is to nurture the soil and make sure the conditions for growing are ideal.  There are many resources available at your local library or online, and Manitoba Eco-Network has an Organic Lawn Care Educational Program that delivers free organic lawn care workshops and there is a library to borrow some tools and books for free.

Please contact us at: cosmeticpesticidebanmb@gmail.com
and join our Facebook group.

For a little humour, check out our video!