2000.06EM Re Genetic Engineering/Public Awareness/Trade
Whereas:
- The proponents of genetic engineering are moving quickly to promote a wide-open practice of this technology to alter time-honoured methods of food production; and
- The most significant proponents of genetic engineering are large multi-national companies who stand to make enormous profits; and
- At the recent World Trade Organization meetings regarding a bio-safety protocol, talks in Montreal, Canada took a leadership role in supporting a trade-above-all position and were opposed by over 80 countries, including the European Union and many developing countries; and
- The Senate panel on Agriculture has heard evidence from scientists at Health Canada regarding alleged suppression of information that would put the adequacy of GMO testing in question; and
- Farmers, who had begun to adopt these technologies to increase markets, are now being cautioned by farm leaders to cut back their use in order to satisfy public concerns in Europe and many other countries; and
- The issue is coming to a head without a wide-ranging public awareness and debate, and it is crucial that all pertinent information comes forward in a timely manner so that long-term consequences may be appreciated and acted upon before further widening of the practice of genetic engineering and trade in genetically engineered products is made;
RESOLVED:
That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:
a. Bring the issue of genetic engineering, long-term public safety, and trade in genetically engineered products into the public forum, through the establishment of a Royal Commission; and
b. In the interim, cease promoting the trade of these products to other countries; and
c. In any bio-safety protocol agreement, support the precautionary principle and mandatory labeling of all foods with GM ingredients.