Legal action against Health Canada over failed pesticide safety enforcement

United Food and Commercial Workers Canada (UFCW Canada) has announced legal action against Health Canada, alleging the federal agency has failed to enforce vital pesticide safety protections. UFCW Canada represents over 2000 agricultural workers across the country and claims Health Canada is neglecting to ensure that pesticide manufacturers provide workplaces with safety data sheets. These documents are an essential component of workplace hazard communication, outlining the health risks and handling procedures for chemical products. Moreover, some agricultural workers claim that their bosses send them to spray pesticides without any protective gear, leading to respiratory issues and skin burns. Shawn Haggerty, national president of UFCW Canada, said the issue is especially urgent for migrant farm workers, many of whom operate in intolerable conditions and remain silent for fear of deportation. Laura Bowman, a lawyer at environmental law charity Ecojustice, agreed with this statement, emphasizing that these workers are disproportionately exposed to harmful substances without access to the necessary information to safeguard their health.
In an email to the Canadian HR Reporter, Health Canada did not comment on the specifics of the case but acknowledged its responsibility to ensure a safe and informed use of pest control products. The case is now before the Federal Court for discussion and judgment.