Vancouver bees just got a whole lot safer. The City of Vancouver has taken the bold step to ban bee-killing neonicotinoid pesticides anywhere in the city limits!

What a huge win for the bees! Use of Bayer’s pesticide Merit had dramatically increased in Vancouver to deal with chafer beetles -- a harmless pest that attracts raccoons who dig up lawns hunting for its grubs. The chemical is devastating to bee populations -- all the more infuriating since there is an effective organic solution to the pests.

After massive pressure from scientists and concerned citizens like us, Vancouver’s City Hall decided that the health of our bees is worth way more than a few nice-looking lawns. Now we know that mayors are listening -- and we need this kind of action in cities across Canada.

Will you join us in asking other major Canadian cities to follow Vancouver’s lead and ban neonicotinoids?

Because let’s be frank: the bees are in big trouble, especially in cities. Due to habitat loss, we already know that urban bee populations are especially vulnerable to getting wiped out. If Merit’s increased use continues to rise, they won’t stand a chance. Not only will that mean saying goodbye to neighbourhood garden plots, berry patches and wildflower stands, our entire agricultural system -- one-third of which depends on bees -- is at risk.

The situation is getting more and more urgent by the week. Last year, one study discovered that neonics aren't just killing bees that ingest the toxins, they're killing birds too. Some butterfly populations in Britain declined by 60% in just one decade -- over the same period neonicotinoid use increased at its fastest-ever rate. Canada is seriously reconsidering its policies toward neonicotinoids so the time has never been more ripe to apply some serious pressure.

Let’s make all Canadian cities a lot safer for bees. Tell them to ban bee-killing pesticides now.

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