News Release

For immediate release
April 22, 2009

GREENING ONTARIO’S LAWNS AND GARDENS
McGuinty Government Pesticide Ban Protects Families And Children

NEWS

Ontario’s cosmetic pesticide ban is now in effect.

About 250 pesticide products are banned for sale and more than 80 pesticide ingredients are banned for cosmetic uses.

Starting today, consumers will be able to purchase pesticides only for public health or safety reasons such as fighting West Nile Virus, killing stinging insects like wasps, or to control poison ivy and other plants poisonous to the touch. Biopesticides and lower-risk pesticides to control weeds and pests will also be available.

To help Ontario gardeners learn how to care for their lawns and gardens using greener alternatives, Communities in Bloom will be organizing seminars across the province, delivered by master gardeners or horticulturalists at community and garden centres. One will be held at Toronto Botanical Garden on May 25 at 7 p.m. Admittance is free.

To support Ontario’s emerging green economy, the Agricultural Adaptation Council will use a provincial investment of $480,000 to establish the Cosmetic Use Pesticides Research and Innovation Program. The program will encourage the development of lower-risk pesticides and other green alternatives.

QUOTES

“Earth Day this year is a particularly good day for the environment, and Ontario families, especially children. By banning the sale and use of cosmetic pesticides, we’ve eliminated the unnecessary risk posed by cosmetic pesticides and made Ontario a healthier place.” – John Gerretsen, Minister of the Environment

“We’re delighted to be involved in helping Ontarians achieve a pesticide-free landscape. Communities in Bloom is dedicated to promoting green spaces, especially in urban settings, and we’re proud that our efforts are helping the environment.” – Lee Rozon, Executive Director, Communities in Bloom – Ontario

QUICK FACTS

• Ontario’s ban is one of the toughest in the world. Quebec, PEI and Newfoundland and Labrador have imposed certain restrictions, while many American states have banned or restricted pesticides on or near child care facilities.

LEARN MORE

• Learn more about the rules and exceptions for public health or safety, agriculture, forestry and golf courses.
• Get some tips on caring for lawns and gardens using greener alternatives at the Ministry of the Environment’s additup website

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Contacts:	Contact information for the general public:
John Karapita, Minister’s Office, 416-314-6736 Kate Jordan, Ministry of the Environment, 416-314-6666	416-325-4000 or 1-800-565-4923 www.ontario.ca/environment

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