Consultation on changes to pesticide legislation

The Integrated Pest Management Regulation was reviewed to update the second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) requirements.

This was in response to concerns expressed over effects on owls and other wildlife.

Background

Prior to permanent changes to the regulation that came into effect on January 21, 2023, there was an 18-month temporary Minister’s Order (PDF, 732KB).

The order was created to protect wildlife from unintended effects of SGAR use by banning or restricting their access. The minister’s order was in place from July 21, 2021 to January 20, 2023.

The ministry conducted the following activities:

• Completed a scientific review to better understand certain rodenticide use patterns and risks to wildlife
• Review the SGARs and Risks to Non-target Wildlife Science Review (PDF, 656KB) to learn about the findings
• Established working groups with local governments and First Nations
• Improved pesticide training materials
• Reviewed how SGARs are regulated in other locations outside of B.C.

On May 4, 2022, the ministry released the IPMR Rodenticide Review Intentions Paper (PDF, 1MB).

The paper proposed changes to the IPMR for sale and use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs).

Consultation

Public consultation on the proposed changes closed on June 19, 2022.

Almost 1,600 responses were submitted from:

• First Nations
• Indigenous Peoples
• Local governments
• General public
• Non-government organizations
• Pest control operators
• Agricultural operators
• Businesses and industry associations

The submitted comments were reviewed to improve the final policy.

An independent contractor wrote a report summarizing the consultation responses.

To find out what we heard, review: 

• Summary of Consultation Comments on the Rodenticide Intentions Paper (PDF, 419KB)

After considering the feedback, the minister confirmed the final policy direction for how SGARs will be regulated. 

The ministry has completed the proposed regulatory amendments to the regulation as outlined in the intentions paper with no significant changes. 

As of January 21, 2023, the regulatory amendments are in effect.

Regulatory presentation

Watch this presentation that explains the regulatory changes which were proposed during consultation

 

Process update 

The development of the proposed regulation amendments has been paused in order to align with federal initiatives. The federal mandate letter issued to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard on December 13, 2019, includes direction to create a plan to transition from open net-pen salmon farming in coastal B.C. waters by 2025 and to introduce Canada’s first Aquaculture Act.

The province wishes to understand how these changes will impact the aquaculture industry before proceeding on any amendments to the provincial regulation.

Parties who expressed interest or submitted comments through the regulatory review consultation process will be notified directly of this change in status.

Thank you for your time and interest in the development of these proposed changes.

Proposed changes to the IPM Regulation

The Integrated Pest Management Regulation (IPMR) was under review to update the requirements relating to aquaculture in response to concerns expressed over the release of pesticides into the marine environment.

A Regulatory Proposal outlining the intended changes was posted in October 2018, and we sought comments from First Nations, industry and stake­holders until November 30, 2018.

• Read the 2018 Aquaculture Regulatory Proposal (PDF, 431KB)

Following the consultation period, we reviewed the submitted comments and developed a Final Policy Update paper based on the feedback. This paper describes the final intentions that were considered for amending the IPMR.

• Read the Final Policy Update (PDF, 309KB)

Managing sea lice with pesticides

Sea lice infestations are one of the top issues facing the aquaculture industry worldwide. An infestation of sea lice can affect the survivability of very young salmon and, in severe cases, older stock. They also can present a risk of spreading from farmed populations to wild salmon.

Aquaculture activities involving the use of pesticides to manage sea lice are regulated in B.C. under the IPMR. The regulation describes environmentally sound practices for using, storing and managing pesticides. The use of pesticides in a body of water requires a pesticide use permit issued under the IPMR.

• View the Integrated Pest Management Regulation