Province issues mandate letters to Ministers: Neonics to be controlled

The Government of Ontario has made public the mandate letters provided to Ministers from the Premier that frame the expectations of each ministry. To view the OMAFRA letter, click here. 

Here is an excerpt that confirms our understanding of OMAFRA's direction related to neonicotinoids:

• Strengthening pollinator health. You will work with other ministers and stakeholders to develop a Pollinator Health Strategy for Ontario that includes sustainable, long-term initiatives aimed at improving the health of bees and other pollinators.
  
  
• Working with the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, other ministers, industry partners and stakeholders, develop an action plan to meaningfully reduce neonicotinoid use for the 2015 growing season, including measurable targets. I also ask that you develop a system that requires a reduction in the use of seeds treated with neonicotinoid insecticides for the 2016 growing season through regulatory mechanisms, permitting or further measures as needed.