Recent resignations suggest industry has too much sway with Health Canada: NDP

OTTAWA -

NDP health critic Don Davies says the resignation of a scientific adviser from the federal pesticide regulator is yet another example of industry having too much influence at Health Canada.

Dr. Bruce Lanphear, a health-sciences professor at Simon Fraser University, stepped down as co-chair of Health Canada's scientific advisory committee on pest control products late last month.

He cited concerns over the role the pesticide industry plays in the regulatory process, pointing to a tendency to favour industry-provided data over more broad, independent studies.

Davies noted that in February, a board member and the executive director of Canada's drug-price regulator also resigned, alleging that industry pressure stalled reforms to lower the cost of patented medicines.

The office of Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos did not comment on what Davies had to say.

Health Canada has said the Pest Management Regulatory Agency takes advice from the science advisory committee, academic experts, pesticide manufacturers, growers and environmental and health groups.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 19, 2023.