Quebec Prefers 
Dandelions
to 
Pesticides  
UPdate Summer 2002

Quebec's Environment Minister wants to see a ban on cosmetic pesticides in public places by this July.  A committee appointed by the premier to study the issue has recommended changes leading to major limits on cosmetic pesticides by 2005. 

Claude Cousineau, chairman of the committee urged Quebecers to get over the perfect lawn syndrome. "We think people will understand that here we detest cancer more than dandelions," Cousineau said. There are indications that the government may soon outlaw the cosmetic use of pesticides at daycares, hospitals, schools and other public institutions.

The committee recommends that people should use as little chemical pesticide as possible, that authorities should ensure that more organic products become available and the government should inform people of the dangers of chemical pesticides and make alternatives known.