Glyphosate Spraying In New Brunswick

Glyphosate spraying in New Brunswick is a highly controversial issue, with many residents concerned about its harmful effects on the environment and public health. While the provincial government has approved the use of glyphosate-based herbicides for forestry management, there is significant opposition from environmental and advocacy groups who argue that it accelerates the collapse of biodiversity and poses risks to human safety. In response, the government has announced a reduction in glyphosate spraying, but critics continue to call for a complete ban. The Conservation Council of New Brunswick provides resources for those opposed to the spraying, including maps of spraying hotspots and letter-writing tools to contact MLAs and express concern.

Spraying hotspots in New Brunswick

The Conservation Council of New Brunswick has created an up-to-date map of herbicide hotspots, which can be used to find out about glyphosate spraying near your community. The map shows that New Brunswick forests will be sprayed with herbicides during the summer of 2023. The council's team is examining the map to help New Brunswickers identify the major spraying hotspots this summer.

The Conservation Council of New Brunswick also has a Historical Herbicide Spray Map (Crown Forests) which syncs with GNB spray data. This map is up-to-date until 2022.

In addition, the council has a spray map that shows all the current forest spray licenses that were issued for 2023. The red dots on the map show all the approved spray blocks for 2023: the light green background shows Crown (public) land, pink Freehold forest, and no colour indicates private forest land. The purple areas are protected watersheds.

In 2023, the government of New Brunswick announced a reduction of 30% in the spraying of NB Power's power lines. However, critics are still calling for an outright ban on spraying.

Health and environmental impacts

The health and environmental impacts of glyphosate spraying in New Brunswick are varied and significant. As the main active ingredient in most herbicides used in the region, glyphosate is a controversial chemical that has been linked to several negative effects on human health and the environment.

Human Health

Glyphosate has been classified as a "probable carcinogen" by the World Health Organization and the state of California. Bayer, the company that produces glyphosate, has faced multiple lawsuits from cancer victims exposed to its products. While Health Canada asserts that glyphosate is not a cancer risk at current levels of human exposure, this conclusion has been disputed by environmental groups who argue that Health Canada's findings are based on outdated evidence.

Biodiversity

Glyphosate spraying accelerates the collapse of biodiversity in New Brunswick's forests. The chemical is known to affect beneficial insects, bird populations, and freshwater ecosystems, thereby impacting other wildlife that depends on these sources for food and shelter. This includes harm to soil creatures and aquatic species, as well as a reduction in the forest's ability to withstand and recover from fire events.

Alternatives

Alternatives to glyphosate are available and have been successfully implemented in other regions, such as Quebec, which banned the use of herbicides in forestry over 20 years ago. West Fraser, a large Canadian forestry company, has also announced that it will no longer apply herbicides as part of its silviculture practices. These examples demonstrate that forest management can be economical without the use of herbicides.

Public Opinion

Over 35,000 New Brunswickers want glyphosate out of their forests, and there are ongoing campaigns and protests against the continued use of the herbicide in the province.

Controversy and public opinion

The spraying of glyphosate in New Brunswick has been a highly controversial issue for several years, with critics calling for an outright ban on its use. The substance is the main active ingredient in most herbicides used in the province's Crown forest operations and has been linked to a range of environmental and health problems.

In 2015, the World Health Organization classified glyphosate as a probable carcinogen. This classification was supported by the state of California, which banned its use on Crown land. Despite this, Health Canada renewed its registration for glyphosate-based herbicides for five additional years in January 2023, sparking backlash from environmental and food advocacy groups who argued that Health Canada's findings were based on outdated evidence.

The use of glyphosate in New Brunswick's Crown forests has been met with strong opposition from conservationists, biologists, and hunters, and citizens concerned about its impact on the environment and public health. Over 35,000 New Brunswickers have expressed their desire to eliminate glyphosate from their forests, water, and food. They argue that the chemical accelerates the collapse of biodiversity, harming bird populations, beneficial insects, soil creatures, aquatic species, and the forest's ability to recover from fires.

In response to the public outcry, the provincial government announced a reduction of 30% in the spraying of NB Power's power lines in 2019, with promises of future regulations. However, critics argue that this is not enough, and a complete ban on spraying is necessary. The Green Party of New Brunswick, led by David Coon, has been particularly vocal in its opposition to glyphosate spraying, calling for an end to the practice rather than a mere reduction.

The controversy surrounding glyphosate use in New Brunswick also extends to the economic implications of its use. While some argue that glyphosate is necessary for profitable forestry practices, others point to successful alternatives, such as Quebec's ban on herbicide use in their public forests since 2001. Quebec has maintained a productive forestry industry without the use of herbicides, demonstrating that economic prosperity can be achieved while also prioritizing environmental responsibility.

The debate over glyphosate spraying in New Brunswick continues, with citizens, advocacy groups, and politicians alike demanding change and calling for a shift towards more ecological forestry practices that protect the environment and public health.

Government response

The Government of New Brunswick has faced mounting pressure from environmental groups, citizens, and opposition parties to reduce or ban the use of glyphosate, a controversial herbicide linked to cancer and other health issues. In 2024, the government announced a 30% reduction in glyphosate spraying along NB Power transmission lines and a promise of future regulations. This decision was influenced by both environmental concerns and a reduced need for the herbicide.

However, critics argue that this reduction is not enough, and an outright ban on glyphosate is necessary. They highlight that New Brunswick has the highest rate of glyphosate use in forestry by land mass, and its use is expected to increase. Over 35,000 New Brunswickers have expressed their desire to eliminate glyphosate from their forests, water, and food.

In response to calls for a ban, the provincial government has defended the continued use of glyphosate, stating that it is the only option for forestry management. They argue that glyphosate is essential for controlling vegetation and promoting the growth of certain tree species. The government has also emphasized the economic importance of the forestry industry and the need to balance environmental concerns with economic prosperity.

Despite the government's position, there have been some efforts to address the concerns. In 2021, the Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Stewardship held hearings on glyphosate use, with presentations from various stakeholders, including conservation groups, scientists, and citizens' groups. The committee's report, submitted in November 2021, did not recommend a complete ban on glyphosate spraying but included recommendations for improved management practices and increased transparency.

The government has also faced legal challenges over its approval of glyphosate. In 2023, Health Canada renewed its registration for glyphosate-based herbicides for five additional years without conducting a rigorous scientific assessment. Environmental and food advocacy groups took Health Canada to court, arguing that the decision was based on outdated evidence. The Federal Court of Appeal agreed, directing Health Canada to conduct a proper review.

In addition to the government's actions, citizens' groups like Stop Spraying New Brunswick (SSNB) have actively campaigned against glyphosate use. They have organized protests, blockades, and letter-writing campaigns to MLAs and the provincial government. SSNB has also created herbicide spray maps to raise awareness and encourage citizens to ask spray crews to leave when they arrive. These efforts have gained support from thousands of New Brunswickers who share concerns about the environmental and health impacts of glyphosate.

While the government has made some concessions by reducing glyphosate use in certain areas, the demand for a complete ban remains strong. Citizens and advocacy groups continue to advocate for a transition to alternative approaches, such as those implemented in Quebec, which banned glyphosate on Crown lands over two decades ago while maintaining a productive forestry industry. The government of New Brunswick is facing increasing pressure to prioritize the preservation of Crown forests and the well-being of its citizens by exploring more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

Alternatives to glyphosate

The Conservation Council of New Brunswick has created an up-to-date map of herbicide hotspots to help New Brunswickers identify the major spraying hotspots during the summer. The map shows where glyphosate is being sprayed in New Brunswick this month.

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide for several reasons. It is effective, inexpensive, and relatively non-toxic. However, concerns have been raised about its toxicity and environmental impact. While some agencies claim that it is safe when used according to instructions, many prefer to use alternatives.

Some alternatives to glyphosate include:

• Prevention and manual removal: Using mulches and sanitation practices to prevent the introduction and spread of weed seeds. Manual removal is also an option, but it is time-consuming and labour-intensive.
• Flame, steam, or hot-foam weeding: Using heat to kill weeds. Flame weeding is effective on seedling broadleaf weeds but should not be used near flammable materials. Steam or hot foam weeding is preferred in such cases.
• Postemergence herbicide alternatives: Non-selective herbicides such as Diquat, pelargonic acid, glufosinate, and natural products like vinegar and botanical oils. These products are contact-type herbicides that do not translocate to the roots of treated plants.
• Contact-action herbicides: OMRI-certified herbicides that contain ingredients like fatty acids, acetic acid, or natural plant oils. These products are fast-acting and destroy the integrity of the leaf surface and cell walls.
• Synthetic auxin herbicides: Used to control perennial broadleaf weeds, but may damage desirable plants through spray drift or root uptake.
• Cultivation: Some weeds, such as tap-rooted perennial weeds, can be controlled through repeated cultivation.
• Natural and organic alternatives: Soap-, vinegar-, salt-, or iron-based sprays, mulching, and integrated weed management. These alternatives are generally safer but may require more work. For example, vinegar can damage surrounding plants and may not kill the roots of a plant.

Frequently asked questions