Health Canada has announced its decision on three neonicotinoid pesticides saying yes to some uses and no to others.

The Department says seed treatment is not expected to pose unacceptable risks to bees and pollinators, and will still be allowed.

However, they say they're phasing in some cancellations and conditions of other uses of the pesticides, where Health Canada Director General of Environmental Assessment, Scott Kirby, says there are alternatives available for the most part.

"We're looking at cancelling most soil treatments, we're looking at cancelling some foliar treatments, particularly on orchard and ornamental crops that are attractive to bees."

Health Canada says they did extensive research and review of the three neonics clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in relation to their potential impact on bees and other pollinators.

Kirby says they're still evaluating the potential risk neonics pose to aquatic insects, and there's possibility for further cancellations.

The department expects to report these findings at the end of the year.

 

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