PFAS

As Canada pivots away from the United States and the rules of the game change, we need a serious rethink on pesticide regulation.

Right now, decision-making on pesticides is structurally integrated with that of the United States, creating problems for Canada’s trade agenda, the health of Canadians and even the Government itself. We need a new playbook.

Case in point is the approval of three new PFAS, or “forever chemicals.” Since late 2025, the U.S. EPA has approved cyclobutrifluram, isocycloseram and epyrifenacil, and Health Canada’s Pesticides Regulatory Directorate (the successor to the PMRA) has followed closely behind on all three:

Pesticide

🇺🇸  EPA final approval

🇨🇦  Pesticide Regulatory Directorate registration

Cyclobutrifluram
US: Nov. 5, 2025
CDA: RD2025-12, Dec. 19, 2025 – six weeks later

Isocycloseram
US: Nov. 20, 2025—one action, all uses together
 CDA: RD2026-03, Jan. 28, 2026 – 12 weeks later (cockroach bait + cereal seed treatment) and

CDA: R D2026-13, May 21, 2026 (foliar/soil uses on corn, leafy vegetables, …Read More

As Health Canada and ECCC Move to Eliminate PFAS, PMRA Approves Two “Forever Chemical” Pesticides
 

TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, February 12, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Health and environmental organizations have filed a Federal Court application challenging Health Canada’s approval of cyclobutrifluram, a fluorinated pesticide classified as a PFAS, for use on food crops in Canada.

The application, filed on Jan. 19, 2026, seeks judicial review of a decision by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) authorizing cyclobutrifluram for use on romaine lettuce and as a soybean seed treatment.

Safe Food Matters is leading the case, joined by co-applicants Friends of the Earth Canada and Prevent Cancer Now.

The applicants allege the PMRA acted unreasonably, did not comply with the law, and were biased in their assessment. They say the approval is inconsistent with federal policy and that PMRA failed to properly assess the risks associated with the PFAS chemical, part of a class of substances known to …Read More