Groups sue Ottawa over reviews for pesticides banned in Europe

The federal government is facing lawsuits over its refusal to publicly review three pesticides banned in Europe.

It’s also facing legal action for its delays in deciding what to do about 26 other chemicals which other countries consider too hazardous to use.

Environmentalists say Health Canada is required to launch a public review of any pesticide banned in other advanced countries; but lawyers with Ecojustice say the government is conducting an internal review instead.

Ecojustice scientist Elaine MacDonald says the 29 chemicals are licensed for use in 700 commercially available pesticides and have been linked to cancer and genetic disruption.

She says many of those chemicals are already present in ground and surface water across Canada.

Officials for Health Canada could not be reached immediately for comment.