The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) is the Canadian government agency responsible for the regulation of pest control products in Canada under the federal authority of the Pest Control Products Act[1] and Regulations.[2] The agency is a branch that reports to Parliament through Health Canada. The PMRA is responsible for providing access to pest management tools while minimizing the risks to human health and the environment by “using modern evidence-based scientific approaches to pesticide regulation, in an open and transparent manner”.[3][4] Their main activity areas include: new product evaluation, post market review and compliance and enforcement.[5]
The PMRA works with provincial, territorial and federal departments in Canada to help refine and strengthen pesticide regulation across the country.[5] Outside of Canada, the Agency works closely with international organizations such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the North American Free Trade Agreement Technical Working Group, the European Union, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).[4] They work to align the processes used to regulate pest control products and uphold the protection of health and the environment.[6]
As of April 2017, the agency has approximately 400 employees.[7] Over 75% of PMRA’s employees are scientists, with specializations in toxicology, environmental science, biology and chemistry. Other employees include policy, regulations, communications and administration.[7] The PMRA's headquarters is in the Sir Charles Tupper Building in Ottawa, ON.