The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that municipalities across the country have the right to ban the residential use of pesticides. The court ruled that the Montreal suburb of Hudson had not violated laws when, in 1991, it banned the use of pesticides for gardening, becoming the first Canadian municipality to do so. The decision gives other local authorities to enforce similar actions. Two Quebec companies had filed the lawsuit alleging that Hudson had been wrong to block the use of the chemicals. "We're thrilled. We've had municipalities across Canada just waiting with their fingers crossed for this decision," said Angela Rickman, head of the pesticide reduction campaign at the Sierra Club, an environmental group.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.