Canadian judge rejects activist bid to immediately ban neonicotinoid pesticide Thiamethoxam

Ottawa-Federal Appeal Court Justice Richard Southcott has dismissed an application by environment groups challenging a 24 month phase out of certain uses of the neonicotinoid pesticide Thiamethoxam.

The groups represented by Eco-Justice claimed the Pesticide Management Review Agency (PMRA) went beyond its jurisdiction in granting the phase out period back in April when it should have immediately terminated those uses.

Southcott ruled that PMRA acted within its authority and imposed legal costs in the case to the applicants, which included the David Suzuki Foundation, Friends of the Earth Canada, Equiterre, and the Wilderness Committee.

He concluded PMRA acted reasonably in setting the transition period, which set an acceptable risk for pollinators. “There is therefore no basis for the Court to interfere with the Decision.”

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The court’s ruling confirms that the PMRA can continue to protect the health and safety of Canadians and the environment while at the same time recognizing the practical implications of changing what’s available to farmers to protect their crops.

Read full, original article: Federal Court rejects bid to speed up neonic phaseout