Petition update · Anti-GMO Native Maui Leader Wins in Stunning Upset · Change.org

Source: Petition update · Anti-GMO Native Maui Leader Wins in Stunning Upset · Change.org

March Against Monsanto Comox Valley 2016 – YouTube Gaming

Source: March Against Monsanto Comox Valley 2016 – YouTube Gaming

Take Action for GE/GM Fish Labelling

From: cban-e-news-bounces@cban.ca <cban-e-news-bounces@cban.ca> on behalf of Lucy Sharratt – CBAN Coordinator <coordinator@cban.ca>
Sent: November 2, 2016 5:42 PM

The future of genetically modified (GM) fish looks even more uncertain after aquaculture industry testimony on Parliament Hill in October. A recent court case in Canada has failed to overturn the government’s approval of the GM salmon but your actions are already closing the market to GM fish and you have a new, important opportunity to demand mandatory GM food labelling.

Take Action

1.    New Action! Click here to send your instant letter to demand GM food labelling, before the GM fish comes to market! – to the Chair and Vice-Chairs of the House of Commons Agriculture Committee. For more info: www.cban.ca/animals 

2.    Send your letter to the grocery chain Loblaws, to ask company President Galen Weston to keep GM salmon out of their stores customerservice@loblaws.ca Or contact other grocery stores here:  http://cban.ca/content/view/full/1903 For more info on GM fish: www.cban.ca/fish 

Summary

Judges in Canada have ruled against two environmental groups, in favor of the government and the company AquaBounty in a case that challenged the approval of genetically modified (GM) salmon. This means GM salmon could be produced soon – except consumer action is already closing the market to the GM fish. CBAN is closely tracking developments and you can read our updates from the Federal Court of Appeal and Parliament Hill below.

Update

In a blow to precautionary science, Canada’s Federal Court of Appeal has ruled against two environmental groups that challenged the government’s approval of GM salmon production. The court heard arguments from Ecojustice lawyers in the appeal but the judges decided against Ecology Action Centre (NS) and Living Oceans Society (BC), in favour of the federal government’s decision to approve GM salmon and salmon eggs for commercial production in Canada. You can read statements from the groups here: http://www.ecojustice.ca/pressrelease/federal-court-of-appeal-ruling-on-approval-of-gm-salmon-production/

GM salmon and GM salmon eggs can now be grown anywhere in Canada, as long as they are grown in a contained facility on land. The government approved the production of the GM salmon and eggs, even though AquaBounty only requested approval to produce GM salmon eggs, and the government approved production of GM salmon or GM salmon eggs anywhere in Canada, even though AquaBounty only asked to produce the GM salmon eggs in PEI. The groups argued that allowing this range of uses at facilities across the country was contrary to the scientific evidence before the Ministers.

The court heard the case on Thursday morning October 18 in Ottawa – at the same time and only doors away, a representative of the plaintiff Ecology Action Centre was testifying about the GM salmon at House of Commons Agriculture Committee hearings! That day, in testimony that surprised many Committee members, Ruth Salmon from the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance stated, “While we do not oppose the approval of genetically modified salmon, our customers in Canada and around the world are not demanding it. We do not need nor do we intend to employ genetically modified salmon technology in Canada.” She also said the Alliance would support the government if it made the decision to establish mandatory GM food labelling. Write to the Agriculture Committee today and demand GM food labelling, before the GM fish comes to market: www.cban.ca/labelGMfish

The aquaculture industry rejection of the GM salmon reflects the market reality that no one wants to eat it. It also appears to reflect the reality that the GM salmon may not, in fact, grown much faster than the farmed salmon already being grown around the world. (You can click here to read CBAN’s challenge to some of AquaBounty’s statements, submitted to the House of Commons Committee)

The House of Commons Agriculture Committee has finished its hearings on “Genetically Modified Animals for Human Consumption” but you can still have your voice heard. The Committee is currently drafting its report that will be submitted to Parliament by December 8. Send your letter today!

In September and October, CBAN testified at House of Commons Committee hearings on GM animals, submitted a briefing to the Committee, tracked all the Committee hearings, notified Canadians about the hearings with information about how to participate, and we observed court proceedings on the GM fish. Donate to support Canada’s GMO watchdog www.cban.ca/donate

Lucy Sharratt, Coordinator
Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN)
Collaborative Campaigning for Food Sovereignty and Environmental Justice
Suite 206, 180 Metcalfe Street
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K2P 1P5
Phone: 613 241 2267 ext. 25
coordinator@cban.ca
www.cban.ca
https://www.facebook.com/cban.canadian.biotechnology.action.network
@biotechaction

Letter for GM Food Labelling: GM Fish / GE Fish / Topics / Resources / Take Action – Canadian Biotechnology Action Network – CBAN

The House of Commons Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee held hearings on “Genetically Modified Animals for Human Consumption” September 27 – October 18, 2016.

There is only one GM animal that has been approved for human consumption: the GM Atlantic salmon from AquaBounty – but it will hit the market without any labelling for consumers.

The Agriculture Committee is writing a report on GM animals to submit to Parliament.

Follow this link to send a letter asking them to recommend labelling.:

Source: Letter for GM Food Labelling: GM Fish / GE Fish / Topics / Resources / Take Action – Canadian Biotechnology Action Network – CBAN