The Ontario Beekeepers' Association and an association in Quebec (Federation des apiculteurs du Quebec) are urging the premiers of those two provinces to keep pollinator health on the front burner.

In a letter, they call on the premiers to encourage the Pest Management Regulatory Agency to escalate the current registration review on neonicotinoid pesticides.

A Health Canada report has suggested that seeds treated with the insecticide contributed to the majority of bee deaths in Ontario and Quebec in 2012.

In addition, they want approval of any new systemic pesticide delayed until the safety of bees can be guaranteed.