An independent scientific adviser has stepped down from a Health Canada committee on pesticide management, due to concerns about a lack of transparency and scientific oversight.

On June 27, Dr. Bruce Lanphear, a health sciences professor at Simon Fraser University, resigned as the co-chair of the Health Canada scientific advisory committee on pest control products.

In his resignation letter, Dr. Lanphear says he has little or no confidence that the committee can assist the pesticide branch of Health Canada in becoming more transparent or assure that Canadians are protected from toxic pesticides.

The committee offers Health Canada independent scientific advice on the health and environmental risks of pesticides, and conducts evaluations for new products and reviews.

In his letter, Lanphear says he struggled to get certain data and answers from Health Canada staff about controversial products and how the agency monitors exposure to toxic pesticides.

Lanphear says the way Health Canada regulates pesticides is archaic, and he is calling for a complete overhaul.