Collective Action to the aid of the bees

Catherine Montambeault

Monday, 26 February, 2018 22:34

UPDATE
Monday, 26 February, 2018 22:34

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A class action has just been authorized against two companies that manufacture the neonicotinoids, the pesticides associated with bee decline against which amounted to more beekeepers.

The collective action endorsed last week by the superior Court of Québec aims Bayer and Syngenta, two companies that produce, market and sell neonicotinoids.

These pesticides, also known as néonics, are commonly used by farmers in Quebec to eliminate some insect pests and protect crops. They represent about one-third of the pesticides sold on the planet.

Stun

However, neonicotinoids are also known to harm bee populations.

“As soon as they come in contact with these pesticides, the bees are paralyzed, have reproductive problems, or die, resulting in financial losses to beekeepers,” says Samy Elnemr, lawyer at law firm Siskinds Desmeules.

Photo courtesy

Samy Elnemr
Lawyer

The man at the origin of this class action, Steve Martineau, is a beekeeper in Saint-Marc-sur-Richelieu, Montérégie.

In recent years, Mr. Martineau has noticed that his bees were more numerous to die.

“It has, therefore, made to test a sample of their bees, and discovered the presence of neonicotinoids “, tells Me Elnemr.

In 2014, the beekeeper has entrusted the mandate of this firm of lawyers to attempt to prosecute the companies Bayer and Syngenta. He estimated he lost about $ 20,000 due to the neonicotinoids.

If the lawyers manage to prove that the damage caused to the beekeepers, the court may grant compensation in the compensation. All the beekeepers of quebec could then be compensated, regardless of the number of hives they own.

In addition, the government of Quebec announced not later than the last week of measures to limit the use of pesticides in the province.

By April 1, 2019, Québec will dismantle gradually the farmers ‘ use of atrazine, chlorpyrifos and three neonicotinoids (clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) as well as pelleted seed, except if their use is justified in advance by an agronomist.

– With the collaboration of Marie-Eve Dumont