Groundskeeping specifications for federal properties are set to change under a new policy disallowing pesticide application for cosmetic purposes. The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat has announced its intent, which will be enshrined in the greening government strategy, to align with a package of measures addressing pesticide management and protection of biodiversity.

That also includes the launch of a 60-day public consultation on proposed amendments to the Pest Control Products Regulations and affirmation of Canada’s commitment to the Kumming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. As a signatory to the international agreement, Canada is expected to develop a comprehensive national biodiversity strategy and action plan and to work toward the Framework’s goals, including a significant (at least 50 per cent) reduction in the risk from pesticides by 2030.

“Our commitment to leading by example through the greening government strategy is not just about the fight against climate change, but also about protecting biodiversity and greenspaces,” says Mona Fortier, president of the Treasury Board of Canada. “This amendment will put these goals into action and further expand our efforts.”

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is coordinating efforts to integrate biodiversity commitments into the core mandates of multiple federal departments.

“By increasing monitoring and research on this issue, and eliminating the unnecessary use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes on federal lands, the government of Canada is taking important first steps to support its commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework,” says Steven Guilbeault, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change.