Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) - BC Update

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Union of BC Municipalities Asks Province to Ban GE Crops and Animals

September 19, 2013, Vancouver - This morning, in an unprecedented step, the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), at their Annual General Meeting in Vancouver, passed a resolution “that UBCM ask the British Columbia government to legislate the prohibition of importing, exporting and growing plants and seeds containing genetically engineered DNA, and raising GE animals within BC, and to declare, through legislation, that BC is a GE Free area in respect to all plant and animal species."

But this is only a beginning and it doesn’t result in any immediate change. So to protect yourself you still need to heed the warnings and take the action steps outlined in the last Newsletter.

Nonetheless it is an important step and one that other political jurisdictions could follow.

Already 14 municipalities in BC have declared themselves GE Free Zones, and 10 Official Community Plans of Regional Districts have come out against GE crops, as communities across the province mobilized for a ban on GE crops.

There are, however, various forces at work here. For example, the City of Richmond exempted 3 dairy farms that were already growing GE corn to feed their cows. The UBCM motion is in effect a form of non-binding pressure on the provincial government of British Columbia to ban GE/GM foods and animals. But the Biotech Industry is a powerful well-financed lobby that will fight hard against this.

The press release from the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network applauds the work of many volunteers:

“We’re overjoyed with our success,” said Teresa Lynne of the Society for a GE Free BC, a volunteer non-profit group, “We’re so grateful to all the councilors who heard our concerns and took this amazing step on our behalf. The provincial government needs to legislate this ban and then ask the federal government to do the same.”

“This was possible thanks to the actions of so many passionate and committed people. Every action made a difference,” said Lynne, “We all want to protect our families, environment and food system from the risks of genetically engineered crops and foods.”

“This is an unprecedented victory for grassroots communities,” said Lucy Sharratt of the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network, “Finally we see a level of government in Canada debate this issue and respond to peoples’ concerns.” Supporters of the UBCM motion gathered almost 7000 signatures on online and hardcopy petitions, and rallied yesterday morning outside the UBCM meeting location.

For more information: Teresa Lynne, Society for a GE Free BC, 604-475-4457; Lucy Sharratt, Canadian Biotechnology Action Network; 613 241 2267 ext. 25

If you want to stay on top of this topic in Canada