For Immediate Release:
December 9, 2014
London – This morning, PC Critic for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Toby Barrett and PC Critic for the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Lisa Thompson held a news conference outside the Pollinator Health meeting in London.
The meeting, Pollinator Health: A Proposal for Enhancing Pollinator Health and Reducing the Use of Neonicotinoid Pesticides in Ontario, stems from the Liberal governments recently announced plan to reduce neonicotinoid use for soybean and corn crops by 80%, a decrease of the over-winter mortality rate of bees to 15%, and to establish a Pollinator Health Action Plan.
“Beyond a rigorous scientific analysis, it is incumbent on decision-makers to consult in a meaningful way with farmers, beekeepers and those with practical knowledge”, Barrett said.
Please Click Here to See MPP Barrett and MPP Thompson’s Question to the Premier
“These consultations with the public are embarrassing. They should be getting input from across the province and not just in a few main cities. Many stakeholders are feeling disengaged as it seems the decision has already been made and these public forums do not provide adequate consultation. The Grain Farmers of Ontario have asked their membership of over 28,000 farmers to boycott the meetings”, said Thompson.
Public consultation sessions will be held in London, Kingston and Toronto throughout December and January.
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Contacts: Victoria Stevenson | 519-523-4251| victoria.stevenson@pc.ola.org