Neonicotinoids bigger threat than DDT

CTV Barrie: Neonicotinoids bigger than DDT The Environment Commissioner says the risk Neonicotinoids pose to the environment, and to bees, is bigger than DDT. Roger Klein reports.

Onatrio’s environmental watchdog is blasting neonicotinoids, which are found in pesticides and have been killing bee colonies.

On Tuesday Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller called neonicotinoids “the biggest threat to the structure and integrity of the ecosystem that I have encountered in my life.”

When asked by a reporter if they were a bigger threat than DDT, a chemical outlawed in the 1970s, Miller said “Bigger than DDT."

Neonicotinoids, or neonics, are pesticides that have been linked to the death of millions of bees.

The pesticide is used to protect corn, soy, and canola seeds from insects but is toxic to bees and other pollinators even in tiny amounts.

“If we don't listen to the pollinators we will reap what we sow,” warns Saugeen County honeybee keeper Dave Schuit.

The Commissioner’s report calls on the province to monitor water, soil, and plants for the pesticide.

Ontario’s Environment Minister Glen Murray says some work has started, but it is likely too late to stop the use of neonics on treated seed by next summer’s growing season.

“The seed availability right now precludes many options for next year. I think all of us recognize that the seeds that are out there are the seeds that are out there.”

Beekeepers, environmental groups and others concerned about the issue are urging the provincial government to act faster.

“It's worse than DDT and it's kind of shocking that we are moving so slowly to do something about it,” says University Of Toronto student Moe Qureshi. “We recognize the problem and it's time to do something about it.”