Is there an enforcement impact to the users of pesticides once the new Act comes into force?
The transition from the old to the new Act will be seamless for the users of pesticides. The new Act strengthens the consequences for actions that contravene the law. Essentially, the rules don’t change for the user; as long as the law is followed, there will be no enforcement consequences. Under the new Act, PMRA will now have access to new enforcement tools and powers of inspection such as the ability to shutdown an activity, require disposal of product, or require any measures necessary to prevent health or environmental risk. Further, the new Act would allow for increased penalties of up to $1 million. These high penalties have been set as a deterrent. The PMRA does not receive monies collected through these penalties.
