The provincial government says it's taking the strongest action in North America to protect bees, birds, butterflies, and other pollinators.

New rules are being proposed to reduce the number of acres planted with neonicotinoid-treated corn and soybean seeds by 80 per cent by 2017.

Some of these insecticides are toxic to bees and other beneficial insects.

Bees and other insects pollinate about 13 per cent of agricultural crops in Ontario, and support 26 million dollars annually in honey production.