Using Pesticides in Ontario

Table of Contents

1. Federal Registration of Pesticides
2. Regulation of Pesticides in Ontario
3. Classification of Pesticides
4. Other Topics on Using Pesticides in Ontario
   • Certification and Licensing
   • Pesticide Application Information
   • Protect the Enviornment
   • Pesticide Disposal
   • Storing Pesticides
   • Pesticide Spills

Read the latest product label before using a pesticide!
Review the Grower Pesticide Safety Course Manual.
Keep detailed spray records.

Federal Registration of Pesticides

Before a pesticide can be sold or used in Ontario, it must be registered under the federal Pest Control Products Act and be classified under the provincial Pesticides Act. The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) of Health Canada registers pesticides for use in Canada following an evaluation of scientific data to ensure that the product has merit and value. It also ensures that the human health and environmental risks associated with its proposed use are acceptable.

The PMRA re-evaluates registered pesticides to determine whether today’s health and environmental protection standards are still met when following the label directions. Outcomes of a re-evaluation can be:

• no change in the registration
• label amendments (i.e., changes to personal protective equipment requirements, re-entry intervals and buffer zones)
• modifications to existing maximum residue limits (MRLs)
• elimination or phasing-out of certain uses or formulations
• no further acceptance of the registration

The pesticide label is a legal document. It prescribes how the pesticide can be legally used. Off-label use is prohibited. It is against the law to use the pesticide in any other way or on any other crop or pest than as specified on the label. Labels for all registered pesticides are under Label Search, on the PMRA website at www.pmra-arla.gc.ca. Ensure you have the most current label and are aware of any re-evaluation decisions.

Regulation of Pesticides in Ontario

The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) is responsible for regulating the sale, use, transportation, storage and disposal of pesticides in Ontario. Ontario regulates pesticides by placing appropriate education, licensing and/or permit requirements on their use, under the Pesticides Act and Regulation 63/09. All pesticides must be used in accordance with requirements under the Pesticides Act and Regulation 63/09, which are available on the e-laws websiteat www.e-laws.gov.on.ca or by calling ServiceOntario at 1-800-668-9938 or 416-326-5300.

Classification of Pesticides

The Ontario Pesticides Advisory Committee (OPAC) is responsible for reviewing and recommending to the MOE the classification of pesticide products before they can be sold or used in Ontario. Pesticide products are classified on the basis of their toxicity, environmental or health hazard, persistence of the active ingredient or its metabolites, concentration, usage, federal class and registration status. This classification system provides the basis for regulating the distribution, availability and use of pesticide products in Ontario. Once approved by the MOE, classified products are posted on the MOE website at www.ene.gov.on.ca.

The Ontario pesticide classification system changed from 6 Schedules to 11 Classes (Regulation 63/09).

Related Links

• Publication 75, Guide to Weed Control
• Publication 812, Field Crop Protection Guide
• PMRA website
• Grower Pesticide Safety Course Manual
  • The Pesticide Label
  • Health Risks of Pesticide Use
  • Protective Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment