Public consultation process for the re-evaluation of the herbicide glyphosate

Petition: 382

Issue(s): Human/environmental health, pesticides, toxic substances

Petitioner(s): Resident of Canada

Petitioner Location(s): Smithers, British Columbia

Date Received: 14 July 2015

Status: Completed—Response(s) to petition received

Summary: This petition describes attempts to participate in the public consultation about a re-evaluation decision of the herbicide glyphosate. The re-evaluation was conducted by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency. The petition asserts that it was difficult for the public to participate in the consultation, because of the restrictive format of the Agency’s comment form and because of unclear instructions. The petition states that the public could not get help from the Agency during the consultation period, because the Agency did not provide contact information online. The petition asks the Agency to address these concerns.

The petition also questions the value of the public consultation, since it happened after the Agency had concluded that products containing glyphosate do not present unacceptable risks. The petition asks the Agency to explain why it sought public comments after it had completed the evaluation. The petition also asks the Agency to explain the evidence supporting the conclusion, and how the public’s input could have affected the conclusion, especially if the input contradicted it. Finally, the petition asks whether the Agency has evaluated the public consultation process and, if so, whether findings are available to the public.

Federal departments responsible for reply: Health Canada