Independent expert panel will support evidence-based decision making on pesticides

January 27, 2022 | Ottawa, ON | Health Canada

Canadians have high expectations with regards to the transparency and sustainability of the pesticide review process, and the Government of Canada is committed to meeting these standards. Today, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, officially launched a call for nominations to create a new Science Advisory Committee on Pest Control Products in Canada.

The committee, established under Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA), will provide advice, as appropriate, prior to certain evidence-based federal decisions on pesticides, including on pesticide Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). In addition, the committee's role will be to provide scientific advice in response to issues for consideration, including:

• specific technical aspects of PMRA human health and/or environmental risk assessments;
• a pesticide's value in contributing to the management of a relevant pest problem in Canada; and,
• specific technical aspects of pesticide risk management options.

Health Canada is seeking nominations of experts with a wide range of relevant knowledge and experience, including pesticide use in Canada, environmental fate and modelling, health risk assessment, or pesticide value assessment. The Department is also seeking nominations to assemble a roster of experts to advise the committee on an ad hoc basis, depending on the nature of the issues on the meeting agenda.

Interested individuals can apply online by March 11, 2022. Appointments will be part of an open, transparent, and merit-based selection process that will strive to reflect the diverse communities in Canada as well as balanced regional and linguistic representation, and gender parity.