Pesticides: ‘Politics should not interfere’, says Agriculture Minister

Marie-Claude Bibeau admits she was surprised to learn that Health Canada would like to become more tolerant of certain pesticide residues in food. It’s a matter of allowing more effects Insecticide and fungicide in berries and herbicides Glyphosate in legumes and nuts.

The Minister of Agriculture still understands why she was not informed. “It’s only natural that politicians are not called upon when it comes to organizing,” she said.

The process of government consultation and authorization is Scholars have criticized it for its lack of transparency. Marie-Claude Bibeau says she is willing to study it with her healthcare colleague to see if improvements are possible.

“Give us some time to work,” she explains, “because we want to do things like responsible government.”

On the other hand, the minister ruled out any political interference to oppose the current review of tolerance for pesticide residues in food.

We cannot imagine politics in Canada interfering with regulation on a whim or under popular pressure. But it is a very sensitive topic and we share this sensitivity with you, I assure you.

According to the newspaper the voice of the eastHealth Minister Patti Hajdu was not aware of the proposed changes.

Quebec bloc leader Yves Francois Blanchett responded that it was “not reassuring”.

Worrying or no credibility?

Radio Canada revealed, Thursday, that manufactured pesticides Syngenta is one of the applicants To review the disparities, such as Bayer did it for glyphosate.

Canada Agriculture is the other forerunner of berries, To support blueberry growers in British Columbia.

Marie-Claude Bebeau explained that her ministry does not necessarily support the idea. It is not a question of support. We follow a process, pass on evidence, and the analysis will be done by scientists. “

It promises news in the coming weeks and months.

In collaboration with Jeremy Bergeron