In Canada, pesticides are regulated by the federal, provincial, and municipal governments. The federal government decides which pesticides are safe to use in Canada and sets minimum requirements for how to use them. The Alberta Department of Environment and Parks regulates the sale, use, storage, transportation and disposal of pesticides in Alberta under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.
Pesticides are intended and designed to be toxic to pests; however, if used improperly, they can pose serious risks to human health and the environment. Pesticide regulation aims to ensure pesticide sale and use is conducted in a safe and effective manner. The objective of our audit was to determine if the department had adequate processes to minimize the risk of inappropriate pesticide use in Alberta.
