Cathy Fox
Published online November 4, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
Protesters staged a symbolic “die-in” on Parliament Hill on Halloween morning, October 31, opposing proposed changes to pesticide regulation under Section 13 of Bill C-31.
Organized by Vigilance OGM, the demonstration was part of coordinated protests across Quebec and Ottawa, raising concerns about the potential health and environmental consequences of weakened pesticide oversight.
Dr. Helen Hsu, representing Canadian Physicians for the Environment, warned about links between pesticide exposure and neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. She noted Quebec’s recognition of these risks and questioned why Canada approves more pesticides than the European Union and countries such as Mexico and Brazil.
Monique Bisson highlighted the personal consequences of pesticide exposure, directing participants to her website, Victims of Pesticides in Quebec, which documents affected individuals. Among them are her brother and sister-in-law, farmers from Buckingham, Quebec, both diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
André Houle, representing the National Farmers Union in Curran, Ontario, described his transition to organic farming as challenging but worthwhile. He criticized the federal government’s approach to pesticide regulation, emphasizing the need for transparency and meaningful consultation with farmers.
Houle said the union was willing to work with government officials to provide agricultural expertise rather than have policymakers rely on outside interests.
Manon Trancouer, representing Mères au Front, concluded the demonstration with a Halloween analogy.
“Halloween is a turn towards darkness which represents what the government is presently doing regarding pesticides,” she said.
The protesters called for stronger public participation in pesticide regulation, arguing that agricultural policies must prioritize public health, environmental protection and transparency.
Organizers encouraged Canadians to visit VigilanceOGM.org for campaign information and petition details.
Photo caption: Protesters staged a Halloween “die-in” on Parliament Hill on October 31, opposing proposed changes to pesticide regulation under Bill C-31.
