Community consultation should be required before spraying

Glyphosate identified as potential carcinogen

TRURO – NDP Environment spokesperson Lenore Zann says it’s disappointing that the Liberals are still failing to consult with communities around glyphosate spraying. Last year, municipalities and First Nations called on the Liberal government to consult communities before spraying began. The Liberal government has just announced four new spraying permits.

Many of the concerns about glyphosate center around its potential as a carcinogen. The State of California added glyphosate to its list of cancer-causing chemicals on July 7, 2017.

“Government needs to listen to the concerns people have about this potentially dangerous chemical being sprayed on our woodlands,” said Zann. “Research from the World Health Organization and actions taken by the State of California make it clear that there are reasons for people to be worried.”

The NDP Caucus has been pushing for an Environmental Bill of Rights, which would require that communities be actively involved in decisions that would impact their local environment.

"I sincerely urge the Liberals to pass an Environmental Bill of Rights, as outlined by the NDP Caucus and a number of environmental organizations,” said Zann. “People have a right to be consulted when there are potential impacts not only to the environment but on their health and wellbeing of their families."

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