Licensing and certification
Pesticides are regulated by both the federal and provincial governments. All pesticides imported into, sold or used in Canada are regulated nationally under the federal Pest Control Products (PCP) Act. The Ontario Pesticides Act and Ontario Regulation 63/09 provide the province's regulatory framework for pesticide management to protect human health and the natural environment. The Ministry of the Environment, through the legislation, regulates the sale, use, transportation, storage and disposal of pesticides. The ministry issues pesticide applicator, operator and vendor licences. The ministry monitors compliance and enforces the regulation. Mainly through education and training, the ministry provides direction on the responsible use of pesticides and encourages and promotes reduced reliance on pesticides through integrated pest management practices.
Pesticides must be federally registered and provincially classified before they can be sold or used in Ontario. Pesticides are classified into one of eleven (11) different classes. The class determines who can sell or use the pesticide product and what restrictions (e.g., requires a licence and/or permit) are placed on its use. Current information on classified products is posted on the ministry’s pesticide production information system.
A pesticide licence is required if you wish to sell federally regulated pesticides (Vendor Licence), apply federally regulated pesticides (Exterminator Licence), or operate a business that employs persons that apply federally regulated pesticides commercially (Operator General Licence). Pesticide Vendors and Exterminators are required to meet certain certification requirements.
For information about Ontario pesticide training and certification, please contact University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus toll free at 1-888-620-9999 or locally at (519) 674-1575. For information about pesticides licensing or to obtain an application package please contact the Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch locally at 416-314-8001 or toll free at 1-800-461-6290.
If you are already licensed in another province and require information to become licensed in Ontario, please contact the Ministry of the Environment at 416-327-5519.
Requirements under the Pesticides Act and Ontario Regulation 63/09:
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Persons or businesses selling pesticides must hold a vendor's licence and employ a full-time, certified outlet representative on the premises at locations that sell higher risk pesticides.
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Persons who run a pest control company must hold an operator's licence and carry proper insurance.
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Persons who apply pesticides commercially must hold an exterminator's licence.
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Farmers must hold a grower certificate to purchase and use higher risk pesticides.
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Assistants to growers and licensed exterminators must receive basic training to use pesticides.
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Permits are required for the use of more toxic pesticides and pesticides applied by aircraft.