The Ministry of Natural Resources office on Riverside Drive in Pembroke was the site of a rally on Tuesday afternoon to stop the spray of herbicides, namely glyphosate, on Renfrew County forests.
Glyphosate is not banned in Canada, but its approval has faced legal challenges over concerns that regulators failed to consider recent scientific evidence of potential harm. While Health Canada continues to permit its use, environmental groups argue the chemical is tied to cancer and other health risks. A Federal Court ruling recently found the renewal of a glyphosate product registration unreasonable, ordering a new decision.
Charity Parisian and Stacy Foley, Community Organizers for “Stop the Spray” lead the crowd of dozens of protesters who had come out against use of the chemical claiming that use of the substance has been linked to numerous cancers, metabolic diseases, reproductive toxicity, and harm to ecosystems. Foley says that the effects of the chemical are well known and it’s use needs to be challenged:
The claim is largely that these chemicals cause certain ailments in humans that have been documented over time as use of the chemical has existed in given areas:
Tony Belcourt who is a former President of the Metis Nation of Ontario was on hand at the rally offering his support to the cause. Belcourt says that for decades Indigenous Peoples from far and wide have been speaking out against the use of the chemical only to have it fall on deaf governmental ears:
Recently, a number of companies in Northern Ontario have decided to stop using the chemical after facing backlash from Community and Indigenous groups but the use of the pesticide still persists here in The Ottawa Valley.
A Spokesperson from the The Ministry of Natural Resources said in part that:
“…Glyphosate has been evaluated by Health Canada, who have said it does not present unacceptable risks to human health or the environment when used as directed….”
And added that:
“….Forest Managers with sustainable forest licences have the ability to make their own decisions on what method for controlling competing vegetation they use….”
In her speech to the throng Parisian spoke of the power grassroots movements such as the one held that day can have and vowed to continue to take up the mantle as long as the chemical remains in use:
For more information on the use of glyphosate please click on the Government of Canada link below.
(Written By: Richard Evans)
