U.S. approval would trigger corporate plans to produce genetically modified salmon eggs in Canada, but Environment Canada remains silent

October 11, 2011. The White House has confirmed that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has finished an environmental assessment of the genetically modified (GM) fast-growing Atlantic salmon called “AquaAdvantage”. The assessment is expected to be released to the U.S. public soon, for a 30-day comment period.

Public forums in 12 communities will highlight risks of GM crops and animals

September 19, 2011. The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN), the Society for a GE Free BC, Vancouver Council of Canadians and the Health Action Network Society (HANS) are excited to announce a public forum in Vancouver on Monday September 26 from 7:00PM to 9:00PM at the Vancouver Public Library, on the controversy over genetically modified (GM) foods. The event will feature CBAN Coordinator Lucy Sharratt, from Ottawa.

Public forums to highlight risks of GM crops and animals

September 9, 2011 - The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network and the Society for a GE Free BC are excited to announce a series of public forums called “Genetic Modification and the Future of Food” in 12 communities in British Columbia, September 18 to October 1st.

US Department of Agriculture will not regulate genetically modified bluegrass, decision could be applied to future GM crops

Ottawa. July 13, 2011. Canadian environmental groups today expressed new concerns about a serious threat of contamination from genetically modified (GM) plants across the U.S. boarder after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) decided last week not to regulate a GM herbicide-tolerant grass, potentially opening the door to similar decisions on future GM crops.

Premier returns from global biotech industry conference

Halifax, June 29, 2011. Groups in Nova Scotia are raising concerns today about the future of genetic modification (GM) in the province as Premier Darrell Dexter returns home from the major Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) conference in Washington DC.

EU Members State critiques and leaked industry documents uncover safety questions

Ottawa, June 28, 2011. German group Testbiotech today released a critical new report that exposes unstudied questions in confidential industry documents from Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences on their genetically modified (GM) eight-trait corn called “SmartStax”, approved in Canada in 2009.

Thursday, April 7, 2011. Yesterday, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) issued a statement to clarify that it has no plans to research genetically modified (GM) wheat.

NRC now states, “GM wheat is not an objective of the NRC wheat program. We will be developing a number of tools that will be used to reduce the breeding cycle, increase yield and adapt to climate stresses. GM varieties are not contemplated at this time.” The statement was issued in response to media stories of April 3 that reported on a leaked memo from the government research agency.

Parkside, SK- March 30, 2011- Yesterday over 60 family farmers, seed businesses and organic agricultural organizations in Canada and the US, including Mumm’s Sprouting Seeds Ltd. of Parkside Saskatchewan in Canada, filed a lawsuit against Monsanto Company to challenge the chemical giant’s patents on genetically modified (GM) seed. The plaintiffs were forced to sue pre-emptively to protect themselves from being accused of patent infringement should they ever become contaminated by Monsanto’s GM seed.

Motion stalled in Agriculture Committee

Friday March 11, 2011. Ottawa.

Yesterday in Ottawa, Conservative members of the House of Commons Agriculture Committee stalled a vote on a motion to place a moratorium on the approval of genetically modified (GM) alfalfa. The motion was supported by members from the three other parties and would therefore have been approved by the Committee to go to the House of Commons for a vote, if the vote had not been delayed.

Liberals Step Up to Protect Farmers

Friday March 4, 2011. Ottawa. Yesterday, Liberal members of the House of Commons Agriculture Committee tabled a motion calling for a moratorium on the approval of genetically modified (GM) alfalfa in Canada.