Dr. Carl Willis of Charlottetown has been appointed as the new Chair of the Pesticides Advisory Committee. The announcement was made today by Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill. The Committee advises the Minister on issues related to pesticide use in Prince Edward Island.
"Dr. Willis has had a long and distinguished career in agriculture and brings a great deal of knowledge, ability and common sense to the work of the Pesticides Advisory Committee," said Mr. Hammill. "I am confident that he will make a major contribution to the efforts of the industry in reducing pesticide use and increasing confidence among the public that pesticides are being used responsibly."
Born on a family farm in Cornwall, Prince Edward Island, Dr. Willis graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a PhD in plant pathology. He began his research career at the Charlottetown Research Centre in 1962, and worked in a number of positions at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Research Branch headquarters in Ottawa. In 1991, he was appointed Director of the Charlottetown Research Centre, from which he retired in 1996. He continues to be active in a number of professional and community organizations.
"As the new Chair of the Pesticides Advisory Committee, I am looking forward to working with members of the Committee as well as interested persons and organizations, and to providing objective, scientific advice to the Minister concerning the use of pesticides in Prince Edward Island," said Dr. Willis.
Dr. Willis has been appointed to a three-year term. He succeeds former Chair Dr. John Bukowski, who is now employed outside the province.
Producer and public representatives on the Committee are Stewart Affleck, Elaine MacLennan, Gerald Reicheld and David Thompson. Provincial government members are Joseph Bradley, Dan McAskill and Jamie Mutch.
The Committee makes an annual report to the Minister on matters relating to pesticide use, regulations and legislation.