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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday February 3, 2007 - 7 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Pesticide ban tramples democracy Once again we are being subjected to letters from supporters of a pesticide ban who think that the righteousness of their cause trumps the democratic process. It is easy to support democracy when the will of the majority corresponds to your own beliefs. The true test of democracy comes when you accede to majority rule even if you think (perhaps passionately) that the majority is wrong. Even though a clear majority (nearly 1,000 voters) voted against banning pesticides in the referendum held during the municipal election before last, Oakville Town Council is once again debating a pesticide ban, and will very likely enact one. Town Council reminds me of the Quebec separatists who don't know how to take No for an answer. In fact they are worse, since at least the separatists intend to hold one referendum after another until they get the result they want, while Town Council apparently will simply ignore the results of the only chance given to all Oakville voters to express their opinion on this subject. We can debate endlessly about the dangers of pesticides, but that is not the point. I voted against a pesticide ban in the referendum. This was not a vote either for or against the use of pesticides, but rather a vote against having Town Council dictate to me what I can or cannot do with perfectly legal substances on my own property. Apparently a majority of the referendum voters agreed with me. If Town Council now passes a bylaw banning pesticide use, they are telling everyone who voted in the last referendum that they may as well not have bothered. During the next municipal election, there will no doubt be various expressions of dismay at the ever declining voter turnout. Why should this be a surprise when Councillors, by their actions, indicate that once elected they couldn't care less about the will of the majority? If on Feb. 5 Town Council enacts a pesticide ban, I shall be thoroughly disgusted. I may never vote again. DAVID J. SANDERS (PH.D.) SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2007 11:00am to 3:00pm International Centre Aviation Ballroom, 6900 Airport Road Sponsored by Pesticide ban is warranted I am a music teacher who welcomes a large number of young students to my studio every week for lessons. I have noticed an unusually high number who suffer from asthma and even one who has had a childhood cancer. Our Prime Minister's initiative to screen Canadians to discover the concentrations of noxious chemicals in our bodies is a wake up call to all of us to minimize our use of chemical pesticides. My doctor is convinced that the statistics prove that the incidence of disease to humans and pets is greater where pesticides are used on gardens and parks. The cosmetic use of these pesticides on our Oakville lawns should therefore be banned. There are many other ways to maintain fine gardens. I myself am proud to have a back lawn full of violets and other interesting plants every year. JEAN GRIEVE You won't want to miss this annual event! Speak one on one with Exhibitors showcasing dozens of Residential and Day Summer Camps for your child. Explore opportunities in Arts & Crafts, Riding, Swimming, Tennis, Golf, Gymnastics & more. For more information please call 905-815-0017 or toll free 1-800-265-3673 Weeding through pesticide misinformation In the Wednesday, Jan. 31 letter to the editor, Gail Volterra wonders "What is the "scientific" information which the supporters of pesticides claim is more important than that of the Cancer Society and Family Physicians?" She asks a very good question. Fortunately there is an answer at the Health Canada website www.pmra-arla.gc.ca/english/highlights/in20060816-e.html By way of background, Health Canada is an agency of the Federal Government and has numerous roles including that of guardian/regulator through a stewardship role that involves both protecting Canadians and facilitating the provision of products vital to the health and well-being of Canadian citizens. Health Canada regulates and approves the use of thousands of products, including: biologics, consumer goods, foods, medical devices, natural health products, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and toxic substances. Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency is responsible for regulation and testing of pesticides in Canada. The website lists the testing done on pesticides and responds to frequently asked questions regarding the use of pesticides. It is far too detailed to summarize here other than to say that 24D continues to be approved for use. Health Canada is the federal agency responsible for helping the people of Canada maintain and improve their health. I and all Canadians (whether they realize it or not) rely on their testing and their conclusions. As they have the scientific resources and muscle to carry-out their mandate, I suggest we are well served by relying on their conclusions. There is a lot of misinformation about pesticides. I urge the citizens of Oakville to refer to the pmra website to make themselves better informed. ROD BORSTMAYER Pud By Steve Nease snease@haltonsearch.com