Minister, in March, you refused to delay implementing the ban on neonicotinoids despite the agriculture committee's signal that the decision to ban the pesticide was not based on the best available science. In fact, nowhere in your mandate letter does it say you're required to ensure decisions are based on science, facts, and evidence and serve the public's interest. However, your decision to stick with the implementation of the ban, despite the lack of science, sets a dangerous precedent. With the upcoming legalization of marijuana, we know that the science is very clear. It says the brain develops until the age of 25. Minister, will you forego science in favour of special interest groups in this case too? What are you doing to ensure that your decisions are science-based?
On April 6th, 2017. See this statement in context.