2020 What Was Heard Report - Proposed Integrated Approach to Pesticide Evaluation - Stakeholder Engagement Sessions

This page is a summary of the stakeholder engagement sessions for PMRA’s proposed Integrated Approach to pesticide evaluation. If you would like more detail, please request the full 2020 What Was Heard Report - Proposed Integrated Approach to Pesticide Evaluation Stakeholder Engagement Sessions.

Should you require further information please contact the Pest Management Information Service.

Executive Summary

Protecting the health of Canadians and the environment from the risks of pesticides is, and always will be, Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA)’s top priority. However, the current approach to pesticide regulation is not sustainable: re-evaluation decisions are not being made in a timely manner which leaves health and environmental risks unabated for extended periods.

In the fall of 2018, the PMRA conducted extensive stakeholder consultations across Canada to seek feedback on the PMRA’s Post-Market Pesticide Re-evaluation Review. Following these consultations, the PMRA developed an Integrated Approach to pesticide evaluation for a stronger pesticide regulatory program that improves health and environmental protection. The PMRA recognizes the importance of hearing the perspectives of a wide range of stakeholders. As such, the PMRA set out to meet with stakeholders across the country to seek feedback on the proposed Integrated Approach.

Participation in these engagement sessions targeted stakeholders with knowledge of current PMRA processes and who participated at previous consultations on the Post-Market Review. This report summarizes the consultations conducted with stakeholders across Canada in 2020. Feedback was received and grouped under the following seven key themes:

• Theme 1: The Integrated Approach
• Theme 2: Continuous oversight (applications and renewals)
• Theme 3: New re-evaluation process
• Theme 4: Workload prioritization and management
• Theme 5: Enhanced engagement and transparency
• Theme 6: Evidence-base for decision-making
• Theme 7: International collaboration and competitiveness

Overall, the PMRA received broad support for the proposed Integrated Approach. Stakeholders are eager to hear more details on the Integrated Approach and wish to stay engaged during its development and implementation.