After extensive research and review, Health Canada has completed its re-evaluations of the neonicotinoid pesticides clothianidin (Clutch) imidacloprid (Admire) and thiamethoxam (Actara) in relation to their potential impact on bees and other pollinators. The scientific assessments show varying effects on bees and other pollinators from exposure to each of these pesticides.

To protect bees and other pollinators, Health Canada has announced that it will be cancelling some uses of these pesticides, and changing other conditions of use such as restricting the timing of application. Remaining uses (e.g., treatment on canola seeds and greenhouse vegetables) are not expected to pose unacceptable risks to bees and other pollinators. 

In addition to the input received from the consultations, Health Canada says that the re-evaluations considered hundreds of scientific studies, from both manufacturers and published literature. The resulting cancellations and new restrictions on the neonicotiniods will be implemented over two to three years.

The Department says it continues to evaluate the potential risks to aquatic insects from the use of neonicotinoids. Current research shows that these pesticides are detected frequently in water bodies at levels that could be harmful to certain aquatic organisms. Health Canada expects to report on its findings at the end of 2019.

Here are links to the specific announcements by Health Canada. 

•   https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/... management/decisions-updates/registra on-decision/2019/thiamethoxam-mainspring.html 

•    
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/... management/decisions-updates/reevaluation-decision/2019/imidacloprid.html 

•    
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/... management/decisions-updates/reevaluation-decision/2019/clothianidin.html 


Source: Health Canada, April 11, 2019 news release