First Nations Leaders in Temagami Region Declare Ban on Herbicide Spraying After Glyphosate Spill

A spill of concentrated herbicide on the homeland of Teme-Augama Anishnabai and Temagami First Nation is spurring leaders to declare a ban on aerial herbicide spraying used in forestry practices on their territory.

Temagami First Nation said that on Sept. 10, a truck carrying Glysil concentrate, a glyphosate formulation, overturned on Eagle Lake Road, spilling 600 litres into a ditch.

Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide used to kill weeds and grasses and is used in forestry management.

Health Canada has concluded glyphosate is safe for humans in very small amounts, but that is controversial given the World Health Organization said in 2015 that there is a cancer risk associated with glyphosate exposure.

A spokesperson for the Ontario environment ministry said Apex Helicopters currently holds the herbicide licence for the application of glyphosate in the area and was responsible for the product at the time of the spill.