Ontarian Advocates Still Awaiting Clarity in Clarington

On December 14, 2023, the Agricultural Advisory Committee of Clarington (the Committee) was presented with information by the Structural Pest Management Association of Ontario (SPMAO) concerning rodenticide usage, legislation, and the importance of pest management. Alarmed by the extent of dangerously misinformative content presented to the committee therein, Rodenticide Free Ontario issued an Open Letter with detailed responses on key issues including (I) ecological risks and consequences of rodenticides; (II) law and policy governing these products; and (III) the availability of better alternatives. The Open Letter also calls on the Committee to remove or correct the transcribed presentation on its website and to take meaningful action by sharing accurate information with growers and producers.

In addition to suggesting that “more evidence is needed to confirm rodenticides were a significant cause of death,” the industry representative characterized use of rodenticides as “...mainly a first line of defense to reduce the number of rodents that may attempt to enter a building.” These statements, among many other misleading claims, reflect a troubling disregard for the well-documented risks rodenticides pose to wildlife, shifts in Canadian law and policy, and the ethical values embraced by most Ontarians. Moreover, the call for further study while continuing "business as usual" is alarming, particularly in light of federal and provincial frameworks that prioritize environmental protection as a core concern.

Without decisive intervention, the ongoing proliferation of these toxic compounds will continue to degrade ecosystems, jeopardize biodiversity, and endanger the well-being of wildlife, companion animals, and humans. Thus, all levels of government must prioritize precautionary policies that privilege the environment over industry interests to fulfill their duty of protecting Ontarians from the documented dangers of rodenticides. Such reform is vital if Canada is to honor its commitments on biodiversity conservation and global climate action under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)(COP15) and the United Nations Climate Change Conference (CCC)(COP-28). 

Environmental justice demands equitable access to safe, non-toxic pest control methods to protect all communities, particularly those already overburdened by environmental hazards, including farmworkers and their families. As such, governments must create policies that correct these inequities and incentivize the widespread adoption of sustainable, non-chemical pest management practices. By investing in preventative measures and promoting ecologically sound solutions, we can safeguard public health, preserve the environment, and build more resilient communities in the long run.

At the time of writing, the Committee has not responded or taken steps to remove the presentation from the public domain as requested. Such inaction raises serious concerns around transparency and the public’s right to accurate, trustworthy information. Nonetheless, Ontarian advocates remain hopeful that the Committee will take necessary steps to ensure that its communications reflect science-based, environmentally responsible practices and the health and safety of Ontarians.