Genetically modified organisms in food: legislation is imperative
In the past few months, members of the public have learned that genetic modification affects the food they eat. They have learned that, for several years, a considerable proportion of the food on their plates has been genetically modified, with no public consultation or information. Recently there has been a strong public opinion challenge to […]
Monarch butterflies and lab rats
Two unfounded scares about genetically improved crops show how easy it is to leap to the wrong conclusions, based on partial information. Critics of biotechnology have pounced on two studies on the impact of genetically improved corn on Monarch butterflies and GM potatoes on lab rats, portraying the studies as examples of the dangers of […]
Changes needed to ensure corporate interest don’t prevail: insiders say publicly that Canadian Food Inspection Agency management “cares little aobut food safety, about science, about the public”
In the public debate over biotechnology, Parliamentarians need to ask two basic questions. Both surfaced during the Senate inquiry into recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST), the first genetically-engineered drug to reach Health Canada regulators — and a drug that was not allowed on the market. The questions: Are federal regulators prepared to handle an influx of […]
Bt corn saves millions for Canada’s farmers
Canada’s corn crops are under attack. Now, thanks to genetic science, a naturally occurring bacterium from soil is coming to the rescue. The European corn borer is the most damaging insect pest for corn throughout Canada and the United States. The insect’s larvae can carve deep tunnels through the stalks, killing the plants or seriously […]
Liberals must do a better job of communicating on biotech
Just a few years ago, most people had no idea what the word “biotechnology” meant. Scientific break-throughs, such as Dolly the cloned sheep, have vaulted the word into headlines around the country. However, most of us still have the uncomfortable feeling that we really don’t know what “biotechnology” means. The lack of information and understanding […]
Canadian scientists support biotechnology
Misinformation and fear cannot be allowed to deprive the world of the benefits of biotechnology, says Dr. Gord Surgeoner, President Ontario Agri-Food Technologies. “This is simply too important to humanity,” said Dr. Surgeoner. “The food industry is under pressure from activist groups to deprive consumers of wholesome food produced through biotechnology.” Dr. Surgeoner is a […]
From Parizeau to Lisee: the new world of Lucien Bouchard
First, Jacques Parizeau blamed Premier Lucien Bouchard for not doing enough to promote sovereignty. Because people say they don’t want a referendum now, does not mean, according to the retired former premier, they should not have one. At the other extreme of the same party, we now find Jean-Francois Lisee, a former key strategic thinker […]
They blame nervous tongued Parizeau but they know he’s right
When Hurricane Jacques came to the Quebec capital a week ago, his hosts among the Bloc Quebecois expected a rah-rah-type speech designed to cheer the troops on. Parizeau is a good speaker and a feature attraction wherever he goes. For many, he is the conscience of the separatist ideology, the guardian of the faith, the […]
House’s top lawyer leaves, Walsh steps in as general legal counsel
‘We go up into the parlour when we’re called up to do something, but we don’t speak unless spoken to,’ says Walsh The House’s top lawyer Diane Davidson, better known in proper Parliamentary titles as the House General Legal Counsel. recently left Parliament Hill and started a new post on secondment with the Justice Department […]
Liberal’s top fundraiser worried mergers will spell less donors
‘I think it has been clearly shown that consolidation in business will hurt fundraising,’ says Grit Ben Hutzel The recently federally-approved merger of Toronto Dominion and Canada Trust has the Liberal Party’s top fundraiser concerned that a growing trend towards corporate mergers could mean lower contributions to the party as it gets ready for a […]
