Agriculture committee  We have had some dialogue with the Ontario Beekeepers' Association, especially early last year. More recently, we've made an overture to sit down again and have more dialogue with them, between our industry and the OBA directly. We haven't heard back yet, but we're still hoping that will be the case.

Agriculture committee  The industry has been working since these products were developed to continually improve the actual technology of how to adhere the chemical to the seed—the various polymers being used. That's an ongoing process each of the registrants are continually working with to try to make sure that product stays on there.

Agriculture committee  The science on pesticides generally is very robust. The difference between a lot of chemicals on the market is that with pesticides there is a very detailed data set that helps regulators make very informed decisions. The science on neonics, the weight of evidence of all the science out there, is very clear with these products in terms of a lethal or sublethal or chronic effect; it is not a route of exposure of concern.

Agriculture committee  I wasn't aware that the Quebec federation had passed a resolution also calling for a ban. Would you like me to answer in French?

Agriculture committee  This is news to me, and it's very unfortunate, because we have been working very closely with that group and many other stakeholders in Quebec at a round table. We felt we were making progress with that group, sharing information, with constructive dialogue, and, as you started with your point, helping to make sure growers and beekeepers are aware of each other's operations, better informing growers about the use of seed treatments and these insecticides on the treated seed.

Agriculture committee  CropLife organized two round tables in collaboration with the Canadian Honey Council, one in October and one just recently in March, bringing together all the various stakeholders. At the last session we had the equipment manufacturers, we had a number of different grower groups, from canola to grain farmers, and we had government officials as well, both from PMRA and Agriculture Canada.

Agriculture committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair and members of the committee. Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you today about the important topic of pollinator health. My name is Pierre Petelle. I am the vice-president of CropLife Canada's chemistry sector. We represent the developers, manufacturers and distributors of pest control products and plant biotechnologies.