Pesticide giant Bayer wants our government to approve ANOTHER new pesticide -- and we have just one week to convince Health Canada to stand up for the bees. 

If approved, this new pesticide will likely wreak further havoc on our bees -- which are already dying in record numbers. Last winter, almost 30 percent of Canada's bee colonies were devastated, and strikingly, we lost over half of our bee colonies in Ontario. Judging by Bayer's deadly track record, this new pesticide could speed up the complete decimation of the local bee population, which would have catastrophic effects on Canada's food supplies. 

The final decision lies with Health Canada, and we have until November 1 to make our voice heard. If we want Health Canada to stand up to Bayer, it needs to hear from us now.

Tell Health Canada to reject Bayer’s proposal for a new pesticide. Submit a public comment before November 1.

Bees are diligent, unassuming creatures. They pollinate our crops, and are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we eat. It’s simple -- no bees means no food for us.

This new pesticide, Flupyradifurone, is very similar to an existing class of pesticides called “neonics”. Neonics are systemic pesticides -- they don't just remain on the surface, but are absorbed into plant tissues, and this new pesticide works in the same way. Research shows that neonics severely impair bees' immune systems, making them vulnerable to deadly viruses. Similar types of neonics have been deemed so harmful that they have been banned in Europe.

But pesticide companies like Bayer are merciless. They’re already suing the European Union to overturn the ban (and SumOfUs is heading to court to fight back)! Elsewhere in the world, pesticide companies are busy lobbying and bullying politicians against a ban, like in the United States. 

It won’t be easy for Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) to stand up to a pesticide company that is spending millions to get its way. Bayer has money, but we have the power of people. The only way we can get the PMRA to make the right decision is to make sure that it sees that there is widespread public opposition to Bayer’s proposal. The comment period closes on November 1, so we have to act quickly.

Add your voice. Tell the Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency to reject Bayer’s proposal for a new pesticide now.

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More information: 

Canada proposes approval of Bayer's insecticide flupyradiflurone, AgroNews, 24 September 2014

Bayer introduces flupyradifurone as alternative to imidacloprid, AgroNews, 18 December 2014