Information technology modernization

On this page

• Structured pesticide label
• Pesticide Use Information Management System
• Previous IT modernization releases

The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) is modernizing its information technology (IT) system to support its transformation objectives. We're changing the system to transform the way we store information, making it easier to search and analyze. This improves the usability and transparency of information.

Our new IT system will host and manage all pesticide information and pest management regulatory processes. An updated portal will allow registrants to file and manage their own applications, and eventually allow the PMRA to more effectively release the data that supports our reviews.

Forms for registrants and applicants and the e-Index Builder (eIB) application have been updated. Tools to support the structured pesticide label and the pesticide use information management system are also being co-developed with internal and external stakeholders.

Structured pesticide label

The PMRA is developing a structured pesticide label. This will allow registrants to build and submit a pesticide label using a new tool and will make the information more usable and easier to find. The structured pesticide label will also allow the information to be displayed more consistently and make the label easier to read.

The system will be developed in 3 parts:

• Part 1: Refine the function and user interface of the online structured pesticide label.
• Part 2: Create reports using the new structured pesticide label data. This will simplify internal business processes for pre- and post-market reviews.
• Part 3: Develop a new database to manage structured pesticide labels as data and to post the approved versions online.

New: On 30 July 2024, the PMRA released the first version of the online form for the Structured Label as a “proof-of-concept”. The form can be used to create a Word version of the label for submission of a Commercial Agricultural Product. In testing this proof of concept we will be looking to collect feedback on its design and functionality to ensure that it improves and streamlines the submission experience for registrants. If you want to learn more, or use the form to submit a label for a Commercial Agricultural Product application, you are encouraged to contact the Pest Management Information Service.

Pesticide Use Information Management System

The PMRA is also developing a Pesticide Use Information Management System (PUIMS) so it is easier to search, manage, and share information about pesticide use.

The new system will have two main components:

• An online intake form where users can attach files and provide an overview of the information within the file (contextual metadata).
• An internal database where the PMRA can manage and share information (when possible) while respecting privacy and confidentiality.

In July 2023, the PMRA tested and collected feedback on the pesticide use information intake form from stakeholders who participated in the pesticide use information technical working groups. Comments from these tests are being considered for the next stages of the development of the PUIMS. If you want to learn more, contact the Pest Management Information Service.

Previous IT modernization releases

During the 2023 summer, the PMRA initiated a structured pesticide label pilot, a pesticide use information intake form pilot, released a new online version of the e-Index Builder (eIB) application and updated the following forms:

• 6006 – Application for research authorization
• 6008 – Notification of pesticide research
• 6012 – Application for registration of private label product based on registered initial product
• 6026 – Administrative changes in contact information for registered pest control products
• 6110 – Proposal for a User Requested Minor Use Label Expansion (URMULE)
• 6117 – Presubmission Consultation Request
• 6200 – Import certificate for the Grower Requested Own Use (GROU) program

During the 2024 spring, the PMRA updated its Secure Web Portal with a new platform to improve security and reliability. The PMRA plans to continue to update this new platform with new functionalities in the coming years.