Health Canada has published Regulatory Proposal PRO2026-01, Consultation on Permitting Pesticide Application by Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS; commonly known as drones) for Products Currently Registered for Aerial Application. This proposal outlines a new policy approach for the use of RPAS in pesticide application. The proposal is now open for public consultation (30 days). Review the document and submit comments through the channels outlined below.

Since 2023, Health Canada has worked closely with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, international partners, and other federal departments to assess the health and environmental risks associated with applying pesticides by RPAS. Scientific data evaluated during this assessment indicates that the risks associated with pesticide application using RPAS are not greater than—and in some cases may be lower than—those associated with conventional aerial application methods.

Based on this analysis, Health Canada is proposing a policy that would allow RPAS to be used for all pest control products currently approved for conventional aerial application, without requiring amendments to existing product labels. This policy would also support innovation and align Canada with other jurisdictions, such as Australia, that already permit the use of aerial drones for pesticides authorized for aerial application. In addition, it will allow for continued collaboration with provinces and territories, international regulators, and key federal partners (including Transport Canada) to advance regulatory science while maintaining strong health and environmental protection.

Stakeholders interested in pesticide application by RPAS must continue to comply with all applicable federal and provincial/territorial legislation, including: holding a valid RPAS pilot certificate issued by Transport Canada, and completing all required training or certification related to aerial drone pesticide application. We also encourage you to consult your provincial or territorial authority for information on local training, certification requirements, and their current availability.

How to Participate

You are invited to:

1. Review the Regulatory Proposal (PRO2026-01) on RPAS pesticide application; and

    

2. Submit comments during the public consultation period (February 23, 2026 to March 25, 2026) using the submission instructions included in the linked PRO document above.

If you require clarification on the proposed policy—such as a better technical understanding of its language and expectations—please note that a public Clarification Session will be offered via webinar on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 3:00–4:00 p.m. EST on Zoom. Information on how to register will be made available in the coming days through our Stakeholder Events webpage. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with connection details.

All formal feedback on this proposed policy must be submitted through the official public consultation mechanism outlined in PRO2026-01, by no later than March 25, 2026. The Clarification Session of March 4, 2026, is intended only to provide factual explanations and answer questions about the proposed policy. 

Source:  Health Canada February 23, 2026 posting