Under the Pest Control Products Act, the Minister of Health is responsible for determining whether the health and environmental risks associated with the use of a pesticide are acceptable. The decision-making process does not take into account whether another option is available. That is not a factor that influences the final decision. The focus is on determining whether the product poses an acceptable risk to human health and the environment.
As mentioned, the re-evaluation has been under way for a number of years. It was known that the decision was coming. It is also a fact that other countries have already put the restrictions in place and developed substitute products to replace the pesticide.
We don't think the three- to five-year phase-out period is necessary. What's more, it is unwarranted considering the risks the product poses to ecosystems.