Response from my MP regarding weather modification, the trees dying in July and the bees disappearing! Let me know what you think please! Also let him know! Dear Jodie: Thank you for your emails and phone calls regarding cloud seeding and the use of silver iodide on the environment. Weather modification activities in Canada falls under the auspices of the Canadian Weather Modification Information Act (CWMIA). The CWMIA does not deal directly with modifying the weather or with regulating weather modification activities; rather, it requires reporting on activities that modify weather. Currently, there is one hail suppression program operating in Alberta. The activities are conducted by Weather Modification Inc. (WMI). Since 1996, in an attempt to reduce damage to crops and infrastructure caused by hail, WMI seeds some developing thunderstorms in the Calgary-Red Deer area between May and September of each year. This activity is referred to as “cloud seeding.” It uses silver iodide as the seeding agent. This is the only known weather modification activity in Canada. As required under the CWMIA, and on a yearly basis, WMI notifies Environment Canada (EC) in advance of their seeding campaign and provides documentation to EC at the completion of their seeding campaign. EC does not undertake any weather modification activities itself. With respect to the use of silver iodide by WMI, the emissions produced by this compound are considered to have negligible environmental or human health impacts. Measurements of silver iodide concentrations in regions where weather modification activities using this compound have occurred have not found concentrations that were above the natural background concentrations. Regarding your questions about pesticides and the health of honey bees and other species, our Government shares your concerns. When concerns were identified, Health Canada re-evaluated these pesticides along with our international partners. Using the best science available, the department has proposed new rules for the 2014 growing season to better protect bee populations. In September 2013, Health Canadas Pest Management Regulatory Agency published the Notice of Intent (NOI) Action to Protect Bees from Exposure to Neonicotinoid Pesticides. The measures outlined in the NOI to address the problems of exposure of bees during planting of treated corn and soybean seeds in the spring are being implemented with the cooperation of all stakeholders. The measures are: · A safer dust-reducing seed flow lubricant is now available and must be used. · Safer seed planting practices must be followed. · New pesticide and seed labels with enhanced warnings are available. · Health Canada has asked for additional information to support the continued need for neonicotinoid treatment on up to 100% of the corn seed and 50% of the soybean seed. Results of these measures to protect bees from exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides will be closely monitored as the 2014 planting season progresses. Pending the outcome of these measures, Health Canada will consider if any further actions may be necessary. In addition to the above measures, our Government has committed significant investments in research to address the current situation affecting bee colonies. In September 2012, we built the National Bee Diagnostic Services Centre (NBDSC) located in Alberta at the Beaverlodge Research Farm. The NBDSC will address the current crisis in bee health, as well as offer comprehensive honey bee diagnostic services and surveillance data to industry and government/regulatory bodies. Services will include research on honey bee pests, pathogens and parasites using advanced scientific techniques. Since 2008, Canada’s total number of bee colonies has increased by 136,000. Canadian beekeepers are producing almost 26,000 more pounds of honey now than 5 years ago. In July 2014, our Government announced an investment of $1 million to initiate a four-year nation-wide surveillance project to document the health profile of honey bee colonies in Canada. The aim of the project is to record the nature, extent and prevalence of diseases, pest organisms and chemical residues in Canadian apiaries. Our Government understands the fundamental role bees play in keeping Canadian agriculture strong. This industry-led initiative will explore ways to keep Canadas bee population healthy while contributing to our overall economy. Thank you again for writing and letting me know your views on these issues. Sincerely, Brian Storseth Member of Parliament Westlock – St. Paul Telephone: 613-996-1783 Fax: 613-995-1415 E-mail:[email protected] Telephone: 780-614-6440 Toll Free: 1-800-667-8450 Fax: 780-645-6817 E-mail:[email protected] https://youtube/watch?v=3ZSaR0hDZPw
Posted on: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 18:57:07 +0000
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