We demand the mandatory labelling of GMOs in Canada!

Please sign this petition for a more transparent food industry.

What are GMOs? 

They are plants and animals which have been manipulated genetically:

genes from other organisms (often unrelated) selected for certain traits such as 

tolerance to pesticides or resistance to insects have been inserted into their cells. 

What GM foods are we eating in Canada? 

To date corn, canola, soy and sugarbeet are grown in Canada. Several other genetically 

engineered foods such as cottonseed oil, papaya, squash and milk products (BGH) are 

also imported and found in many processed foods.  Other crops including alfalfa are 

under review and could be grown in the next few years. For more information and 

updates please visit the links posted on the side bar. 

What is the problem? 

The primary concern with GMO's is that their impact on the environment and on our 

health in still uncertain. Most research is done by the biotechnology companies 

themselves and could be biaised. Large amounts of pesticides are often required with 

GM crops and are harmful to wildlife and to humans, polluting streams 

and aquifers. Another concern is that pattented seeds are owned by a few large 

companies which can sue farmers and sell their seeds and pesticides at unreasonable 

prices. Contamination of non-GMO fields can occur and is a main concern, especially 

to organic farmers. GMO's present a threat to biodiversity as they promote 

monocultures of a few chosen crops, and, in the case of animals may lead to a decline

in wild populations. For instance GM fish could escape the growing facilities, invade 

wild species habitats and possibly outcompete them.

How to avoid eating GMO's? 

There is currently no legislation for the labelling of GMO's in Canada. Over 40 countries 

have laws for the labelling of GMO's, why not us? Organic farming prohibits the 

use of genetically modified seeds or animal feed and so it is a safe way to avoid 

consuming GMO's.  See the link in the side bar for a guide to avoid GMO's. 

 This petition will be sent to our local Member of Parliament

in Burnaby, Peter Julian. Thank you for signing!

Links