In a recent David Suzuki Foundation report, Pesticide Free, Oui, Manitoba didn't even earn a passing mention because the province has no legislation to review. That may change after the Manitoba roundtable on sustainability recommended: Manitoba prohibit "the non-essential cosmetic use of chemical insecticides, herbicides and fungicides for residential, institutional and recreational facilities near water and all urban and rural areas."

"I'm certainly open to it," said Conservation Minister Bill Blaikie. "The government is considering what steps might be taken in terms of public consultation."

Forty seven per cent of Manitobans report using chemical pesticides to perfect their lawns and gardens - the second highest rate in the country.

The industry contests such bans, arguing they are based on 'bad science'

Winnipeg oncologist Dr.Matthew Seftel says the science is compelling. He says there's enough evidence to suggest there's a risk in relation to cancer and cosmetic pesticides use, and he hopes Manitoba will adopt a ban as a precaution. "And that's what the precautionary principle is," Seftel said. "To say, even though we don't have 100 per cent proof, the weight of the evidence is moving in that direction."