Federal
Bill C-287
Private Members Bill C-287, introduced by Liberal MP Charles
Caccia, would have required mandatory labelling of genetically engineered
(GE) food in Canada. In October 2001, members of Parliament voted
against the bill. However, the legislation's proponents remain active,
and Bill C-287 may resurface in another form.
Bill C-287 was not
favoured by the Liberal Party. In general, the PCs, NDP, and the Bloc
Québecois supported referring the bill to committee.
Click
here
for The text of Bill C-287.
Mandatory labelling
is meant to help people control their food supply, and could lead to
more ethical and democratic market practices. In Europe, mandatory labelling
has helped limit trade in GMOs.
Individuals and
groups can take the following actions:
- Write, email
or call your local MP, urging them to support mandatory labelling
of foods containing GMOs. Contact
info for all MPs.
- Fax your MP automatically
online at: www.canadians.org
- Meet with your
MP to voice your concerns and urge his/her support.
- Encourage people
to sign on to the petition to support this bill, available at: www.fishtomato.com
Other
websites and documents related to Bill C-287:
Canadian
Health Coalition
Council of Canadians
Greenpeace Canada
Group C-287
(a Food Action Ottawa working group)
Petition to support
bill C-287
Royal Society of Canada report released in August 2001 entitled Elements
of Precaution: Recommendations for the Regulation of Food Biotechnology
in Canada. Download and view the report.
For the transcript of the 1 hour parliamentary debate in the Commons
on June 6th, click
here. From the sidebar, select "Complete Hansard", then
scroll down to 1825 (or 6:25 PM)
British
Columbia's Bill 18
The Genetically Engineered Food Labelling Act of BC was drafted
by the former New Democratic provincial government. It is based on the
premise that provincial governments have the right to protect the safety
and health of their citizens. Until July 31, the legislation was presented
as an "exposure bill" which invited public feedback.
With the deadline
for comment now past, it is up to public interest groups and individuals
to show their support for labelling of GMOs in British Columbia. This
is especially important since it appears that the new Liberal government
has little interest in bringing the bill into law.
To view the proposed
Bill 18, click
here.
For assistance in
identifying and contacting your local MLA, phone Inquiry BC at
604-660-2421 if you live in Greater Vancouver. Call 1-800-633-7867
if you live elsewhere. You can also Identify
your provincial MLA and then make contact by phone,
fax, snailmail or email
with these links courtesy the Government of BC.
For a blank petition
from supporting Bill 18, download
this PDF file (4K).
back
to Genetic Engineering Index
