Regulatory Perspective on Microbial Biopesticides in Canada:
Winnipeg’s summers are marked by mosquitoes so persistent they could say hello by name. Homeowners here worry about fleas on pets and ants in the kitchen as soon as the snow melts. In this cold-weather corner of Canada, pest season is short but intense. Instead of reaching for harsh chemicals, many prairie homesteads and city gardens are turning to microbial biopesticides, living bacteria or fungi that fight pests. Our pest control efforts (and mistakes) require not only effective products but also those proven to be safe. This brings us to the role of Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) in assessing microbial pesticides. In this article, we explain the Canadian regulatory framework for microbial biopesticides, the innovative pesticide risk assessment methods PMRA is adopting, and why transparency in regulation is becoming more important. We’ll also include some Manitoba humour because, whether it’s a bedbug in July or a policy review in Ottawa, a bit of wit never hurts....