Case Law Update: GFO v Ontario (Environment and Climate Change), 2016 ONCA 283

In July of 2015, the Ontario government enacted Regulation 139/15 (the "Regulation"), which imposed conditions on the purchase and use of neonicotinoid pesticides ("neonics"). The Regulation was intended to address growing concerns about impacts on pollinator health allegedly linked to the widespread use of neonics. The Regulation caused significant concern for farmers who would be required, among other things, to obtain a pest assessment report before neonic-treated seeds could be purchased and used on over 50% of their land. Published by the Environmental Law section of the Ontario bar Association.