Ottawa Dithers Over Health Concerns About "Roundup"

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- by Larry Powell

Despite copious evidence that the globally-popular weed-killer may be harmful to crops, wildlife, livestock and humans, the Government of Canada seems in no hurry to act. Last June, Health Canada (the federal Department which regulates pesticides) told me, it was aware of such evidence, but, that, "It did not raise immediate risk concerns that would have triggered regulatory action." 

A "crop-duster" sprays a field in western MB.  A PinP photo.

Then, in November, the Federal Court ordered the Minister of Health, Leona Aglukkaq, to reconsider a decision she had made in August, 2009. That's when she refused a citizen's request for a "special" review of the product. The Minister settled instead for a longer-range, routine re-evaluation. That didn't begin until some two years later and won't be finished for about another two. 

The court ruling came down almost three months ago. 

The Minister is still "reconsidering" whether to call that  special review.

Ask most conventional farmers about Roundup, they'll tell you. It's a chemical they spray regularly on their canola, soybeans, corn or, in some cases, sugar beets, to get rid of weeds. Sometimes, they also apply it in the fall to cereal crops like wheat and barley as a "desiccant," )to dry them out, in preparation for harvest).

Is 'Prescription for Disaster' Our 'Most Optimistic' Climate Future?

February 11, 2012 by Common Dreams

New data indicates warming of 2C now planet's "most optimistic" scenario Details here.

More Deceit From Big Oil (Video)

The Cancer in Occupy

By Chris Hedges Truthdig Feb 6 - '12

The Black Bloc anarchists, who have been active on the streets in Oakland and other cities, are the cancer of the Occupy movement. Details here.

The True Cost of Mad Cow Disease in the West Midlands (England)

Justine Halifax, Birmingham Mail - Feb 6 2012

Birmingham could be facing a disease timebomb following the outbreak of the human form of mad cow disease or vCJD, health experts say. Details here.

PLT photo

Climate Cartoon of the Week

Stolen emails spark a new round of anti-science allegations.

Corporations Have No Use for Borders

By Chris Hedges - Truthdig Jan 30-'12

What happened to Canada? It used to be the country we would flee to if life in the United States became unpalatable. No nuclear weapons. No huge military-industrial complex. Universal health care. Funding for the arts. A good record on the environment. But that was the old Canada. Details here.

Minister of Natural Resources Prepares to Help his Boss, Stephen, Sell Out Canada!

PLT: Just heard Joe Oliver spouting off on CBC Radio. Boy, does he like to have it both ways! On the one hand, he loves to brag that the TAR Sands are the 3rd largest oil reserve in the world and THE biggest single, industrial project. 
Alberta tar sands. Courtesy of Beautiful Destruction
Well, what about greenhouse gas emissions then? They must be significant, too? Naaah, they're tiny compared to everybody else. 
He and Steve will soon be visiting China, hobnobbing with the "ethical" members of the Communist Party, selling out as many of the Canadian people's resources as they can get away with. These Dudes are out of control!

Fatal Deception - Investigative Report Exposes Canada's Asbestos Policies - CBC Video

Is the federal government relying on junk science to justify its support for re-opening asbestos mines in Quebec? Click here and watch the program, "Fatal Deception."

Cosmetic Pesticides Face Ban in Manitoba

Winnipeg Free Press
 Feb 1'12

Manitoba will soon join most other Canadian provinces and ban cosmetic pesticides -- sprays such as WeedEx and Roundup that keep lawns perfect by killing weeds and bugs. Details here.

PLT photo

CPAWS Update on Developments in Jasper National Park

Parks Canada announced it will delay its decision on Brewster Travel Canada's proposed development of the  Glacier Discovery Walk in Jasper National Park.
Public opinion matters!

Parks Canada is now reviewing over 2,000 letters it has received on this issue. They are also reconsidering its environmental impact. 

CPAWS opposes this proposed development because we fear it would set a dangerous precedent for renewed commercial development in our mountain national parks.  If this goes ahead, what will be next?
As well, the long term impact of it on wildlife, including mountain goats and big horn sheep, can’t be predicted with confidence. There just isn’t enough data.
Please help show that public concern is still growing. Take a minute now to send a letter to Parks Canada on this issue.
It’s easy. When you click here, you’ll  find suggestions for points you may wish to make in your letter, and an easy form that you can send directly to Parks Canada and the Minister of the Environment.

Thank you for helping to protect our precious national parks.
The CPAWS conservation team