Founded in 1994, the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) is now a leader in the campaign to eliminate toxic chemicals across the country.

Its greatest success has been in the area of reducing lawn and garden pesticides.  Over the last few years, CAPE doctors have worked hard to win pesticide prohibitions in a number of Canadian cities including Toronto, Peterborough, London, Markham and Hamilton. In 2008, they won a provincial pesticide ban that covers all of Ontario.

The Ontario ban – formally known as the Cosmetic Pesticides Ban Act – was passed in June, 2008 and comes into effect on Earth Day (April 22), 2009. It prohibits the use and sale of some 250 pesticide products, making it the most health-protective legislation of its kind in North America. Among the toxic chemicals banned are the common herbicides 2,4-D and glyphosate.

“There is nothing like this anywhere else on the continent,” said CAPE Executive Director Gideon Forman. “Up to now, Quebec has had the best legislation but it only bans 20 pesticides. Ontario is banning many times that number. And the U.S. can’t even agree to ban 2,4-D while Ontario is protecting us from 2,4-D and dozens of other harmful chemicals as well!”

CAPE is not limiting its pesticide campaign to central Canada. It is also working to win pesticide restrictions in New Brunswick, British Columbia, and the City of Calgary. “We’re hopeful the Ontario victory will set a precedent that pushes decision-makers to adopt health-protective legislation right across the country,” said Forman.

CAPE’s pesticide work has been recognized with a number of prizes including a Canadian Environment Award (2006), a Virtuoso Award from the International Association of Business Communicators (2007), and a Citizens Bank Shared Interest Award (2007).

CAPE also supports the phase-out of other toxic substances including Bisphenol A in food and beverage containers and lead and mercury in consumer products. It is a member of the Ontario Clean Air Alliance through which it advocates the replacement of nuclear and coal-fired electricity generation with renewable sources such as wind, hydro, and solar energy.

Over the last few years, CAPE has experienced extraordinary membership growth. In September, 2006 it had 450 members. Today (March, 2009) it has over 4,000 members – nearly a ten-fold increase.

Membership is open to everyone – physicians and non-physicians alike. All are warmly invited to join or support CAPE by visiting the website, www.cape.ca or phoning the Toronto office at (416) 306-2273.