What is the main federal legislation to regulate pesticides in Canada?

The Pest Control Products Act (PCPA) is the primary federal legislation governing the regulation of pesticides in Canada. This act is designed to ensure that all pest control products, including pesticides, are assessed for their potential risks to human health and the environment before they can be approved for sale and use. It establishes a comprehensive framework for the registration, re-evaluation, and special review of pesticides, providing a regulatory process that safeguards public health and environmental safety.

The PCPA not only outlines the criteria for the registration of pest control products but also stipulates the responsibilities of applicants and registrants, ensuring that only products meeting specific safety and efficacy standards can be marketed. Additionally, it addresses aspects of pesticide use, labeling, and post-registration activities like monitoring and compliance.

While other legislation mentioned, such as the Environmental Protection Act and Pesticide Management Act, plays a role in broader environmental protection and management principles, they do not specifically focus on the regulation of pesticides as directly and comprehensively as the Pest Control Products Act does.