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Mandatory Labelling
Legislation
Proposed Bill C-287 and Bill 18
Federal
Bill C-287
Private Members Bill C-287, introduced by Liberal MP Charles Caccia,
will require mandatory labelling of genetically engineered (GE) food in
Canada. In September 2001, members of Parliament will vote on whether
or not to send the proposed bill to the Health Committee for further study.
Bill C-287 is not
favoured by the Liberal Party, although some Liberal MPs could support
it if there is enough demonstrated public demand. In general, the PCs,
NDP, and the Bloc Québecois support 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 vote in support Bill C-287. 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 is not known whether the new Liberal
government has any 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).
For More Information:
Society
Promoting Environmental Conservation
2150 Maple Street
Vancouver, BC, CANADA V6J 3T3
ph: (604) 736-7732 fx: (604) 736-7115
Open 10 am - 4 pm, Monday to Friday
Email SPEC with your comments or questions: enviro@spec.bc.ca
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