Health Canada’s Pesticide Compliance Program

With described video

Transcript

Transcript

(In animation, a group enjoys a backyard barbeque. A woman pours a pest control product into a pool while another woman waters flowers. Nearby, a mom applies mosquito repellent on her child.)

Canadians use pest control products, commonly known as pesticides, to help prevent, control or destroy a variety of pests.

(A farmer drives his tractor through an open field and sprays over his crops.)

Whether you're using pest control products to protect your crops…or to address a problem in or around your home,

(A person walks through a living room as ants follow. Then, puts an ant trap on the side of her living room window.)

pest control products play an important role in the daily lives of Canadians.

(A woman and her dog in a veterinarian clinic interact with an employee. There is a close-up on a tick control product label which displays the registration number of that product.)

Before using them, it is important to be aware of the pertinent laws. Understanding these laws can help Canadians make well-informed decisions when buying, using or interacting with pesticides.

(A laptop is used to access the ‘Pest Control Products Act’ document on the web.)

In Canada, pesticides are regulated under the (Pest Control Products Act) and its Regulations.

(A gavel appears and swings through the frame, revealing two pairs of hands. One pair of hands holds a group of people with a maple leaf (representing Canadians), while the other holds a group of trees (representing the environment).)

The primary objective of this legislation is to protect human health and safety and the environment by regulating the use of pesticides.

(A production line appears. Boxes being loaded into a truck, then delivered to a Canadian store.)

All pesticide manufacturers, importers, distributors, and users are required to be aware of and to comply with the PCPA and its Regulations.

(A man is stocking shelves as a woman picks up a pesticide and reads the label. Then, she sprays over a plant while wearing Personal Protective Equipment.)

Anyone using pesticides must follow the label instructions and precautions.

(A team meets in a boardroom with documents on the table. One member checks boxes from a list on a whiteboard while other team members take notes.)

In Canada, pesticides must undergo a rigorous scientific assessment process before they are registered, to assess that, under the approved conditions of use, the health and environmental risks and the value of the pest control products are acceptable.

(Five bubbles with inspector faces appear on a map that represents Canada. Later, two Health Canada inspectors interact with people stopping at their booth. A close-up is made on an inspector badge laying in a suitcase on a table.)

Health Canada’s Pesticide Compliance Program is responsible for promoting, monitoring, and enforcing compliance with the PCPA and its Regulations. This program conducts compliance promotion activities to inform regulated parties and the public, about regulatory requirements.

(An inspector works outdoors and indoors. He collects samples, takes a photo of a labelled product and then takes notes while meeting with people in an office.)

Inspectors across the country monitor compliance of regulated parties by regularly conducting targeted inspections. In addition, compliance is verified when complaints are received from the public. Health Canada takes Enforcement action when non-compliance is identified.

(A coat of arms appears with items representing enforcement actions being displayed one by one: a letter, a paid stamp, a box with yellow tape around it, and a gavel.)

Enforcement actions taken will vary based on the risk posed by the non-compliance found. They can include warning letters, compliance orders, the issuance of administrative monetary penalties, the refusal of entry into Canada of unauthorized products or their seizure, and prosecution.

(A diverse group of people gathers.)

By following the PCPA legislation and the conditions of use on the labels of products, we can all prevent unacceptable risks to the health and safety of Canadians, and the environment, from the use of pesticides.

Next time you use pesticides, make sure that the products are authorized for use by Health Canada and that you follow the label directions when you use them.

For more information, visit canada.ca/pesticide-compliance

Disclaimer:

Health Canada shares information about its compliance and enforcement activities and provides Canadians with information to support informed decisions and understanding of obligations under the PCPA.

(Logo: Health Canada. Santé Canada. Disclaimer: Health Canada shares information about its compliance and enforcement activities and provides Canadians with information to support informed decisions and understanding of obligations under the PCPA. For more information, visit canada.ca/pesticide-compliance)