Canadian province phases in pesticide ban

TORONTO, April 22 (UPI) -- The Canadian provincial government in Toronto announced Tuesday a phased-in ban of consumer pesticides to take effect next spring.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and Environment Minister John Gerretsen timed the announcement to coincide with Earth Day but said legislation and penalties were still being drafted.

The Toronto Star said the ban will cover "cosmetic" pesticides such as herbicides, insecticides and fungicides used on private lawns, fruit trees and gardens. However, farmers, golf courses and managed forests wouldn't be included in the ban, the report said.

McGuinty has said in the past his goal was to enact legislation similar to what Massachusetts enacted requiring pesticide manufacturers to reduce the toxins they use.

The Ontario measure will also include an emergency clause in which pesticides could be used to control outbreaks of diseases such as West Nile virus, the Star said.