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CBC News Posted: Dec 11, 2015 7:52 AM ET Last Updated: Dec 11, 2015 8:10 AM ET The City of Montreal is completely banning neonicotinoid pesticides in an effort to better protect the bee population. Neonicotinoids are nicotine-based insecticides that contain neurotoxins that make all parts of the plant harmful to insects feeding on them. In Canada, the pesticides are used in coated seeds in the cultivation of more 50 different fruits and vegetables. Researchers believe they are among the factors that have contributed to the massive decline in bee colony populations in North America in recent years. In the past, neonicotinoid use has been restricted in Montreal, but citizens and businesses could obtain a temporary permit to use it to control vermin or ants. The new total prohibition, announced last night at the executive committee meeting, also applies to golf courses and properties used for agricultural purposes. "This tighter control of pesticides will, among other things, allow us to better protect bees and other pollinators," Réal Ménard, Montreal's executive committee member responsible for the environment, said in a news release. The move is in line with a larger strategy by Quebec's environment ministry to place tighter controls on pesticide use in the province. In November, Environment Minister David Heurtel announced plans to implement a new strategy updating the province's pesticide regulations that will restrict the use of certain chemicals deemed "high-risk." The new strategy primarily focuses limiting certain pesticides used in agriculture, like neonicotinoids and atrazine, which have been banned in Europe for more than 10 years. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time. Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines. Surprise! Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre gives Daybreak's sports reporter Andie Bennett his two cents when it comes to the Habs and football. Shari Okeke brings us the stories of Montrealers who use the NDG Food Depot, a food bank that has also become a community institution. Quebec's end-of-life care law came into effect today, but will be challenged in the province's Court of Appeal on December 18. The CBC's Rachelle Solomon spoke with Dr. Eugene Bereza about what this means for patients and doctors. Montreal's June Michell honoured for helping survivors of conjugal violence Children's Hospital sale prompts debate about where ballpark could work Syrian refugees get new textbooks, more tutoring thanks to McGill students Montreal police accused of closing ranks over officer's alleged road rage Potholes, insects, cracked foundations: Montreal prepares for climate change Longueuil police threaten man with arrest for filing complaint New Quebec IVF treatment restrictions leave couples 'devastated' Answers emerge in case of 8 missing Innu children from Pakuashipi C. difficile control: Handwashing practices lax at Quebec hospitals A Quebec broccoli producer's secret to year-round production? California
