WINNIPEG — Manitobans will have a say over the provincial cosmetic pesticide ban.
The province said as the ban enters its second year, it wants public input on the legislation.
“They want to have the opportunity to discuss this regulation and those are individuals from all sides ,” said Sustainable Development Minister Cathy Cox.
Cox told reporters there wasn’t one specific aspect of the legislation she was concerned about but did say she thought the rules about pesticide use could be more clear.
READ MORE: Manitoba to limit but not ban lawn pesticides
In January 2015, the province restricted potentially harmful over-the-counter chemicals. The main reason cited for getting rid of harsh pesticides was the safety of children who could be affected by them.
However, the ban has hit some businesses hard, including Weed Man Winnipeg.
Get breaking National news
Their costs for the more environmentally-friendly pesticides have gone up almost ten-fold, said president David Hinton.
“Kind of doesn’t make a lot of sense to anybody so I think there’s lots of room for improvement,” he said.
WATCH: Winnipeg faces another season of battling a sea of yellow
Some Winnipeggers are just fine with the ban and have adapted using other, more environmentally friendly weed control options.
Mona Dupuis uses corn gluten meal and said it works perfectly in her yard.
“As far as I’m concerned, I would rather do away with pesticides and any harmful chemicals,” she said.
Manitobans can email submissions or respond through an online survey until Sept. 12.
Comments