[BCFSN] Action Alert: Health Canada proposes to remove regulation for some GMOs - consultation until May 24

[Lucy Sharratt]

Dear All,

Please see that Health Canada has started a public consultation on 
proposals that would remove regulation from some genetically engineered 
(genetically modified) foods, in particular some of those from gene 
edited plants.

Please consider sharing the the below information and also sending your 
comments to Health Canada. The deadline for comments is May 24, 2021. 
CBAN has produced a guide to assist with participation in the 
consultation, posted at www.cban.ca/NoExemptions/Guide There is also an 
instant letter of protest to the Minister of Health posted at 
www.cban.ca/NoExemptions if you can please share this action also.

This is the start of a multi-year effort to change ("update" and 
"clarify") the "regulatory guidance" which interprets the regulation of 
genetically engineered foods, plants and animals - the CFIA has said 
they will follow with a consultation on proposals relating to GM plants 
soon. I

Summary:

Health Canada has launched a public consultation on its proposal to 
remove government regulation of some genetically engineered (genetically 
modified or GM) foods. If approved, the proposal would remove government 
oversight for some genetically engineered foods, allowing some GMOs 
(genetically modified organisms) into our food system without any 
government safety assessments - these would be unregulated GMOs that the 
government may not even know exist. Many of these GMOs are likely to be 
produced using the new genetic engineering techniques of genome editing, 
also called gene editing. Health Canada’s proposals threaten food safety 
and democracy. Health Canada is proposing to abdicate its responsibility 
to ensure food safety and set a precedent of corporate self-regulation 
in the use of genetic engineering in our food system. Demand mandatory, 
independent safety assessments for all genetically engineered foods. You 
can send your comments to Health Canada until *May 24, 2021. *The 
Canadian Biotechnology Action Network offers information and analysis in 
a guide to the consultation at www.cban.ca/NoExemptions/Guide

Tools:
**

  * Please see that the guide and all updates and actions are posted
    from www.cban.ca/NoExemptions
  * The guide has a direct URL to www.cban.ca/NoExemptions/Guide
  * You can also view and share CBAN's newsletter update from:
    https://cban.ca/?na=view&id=201

Please join us to stop corporate self-regulation.

Please consider posting this news and action alert to your newsletters 
etc. Please contact me for more tools or with questions.

Thank you so much, Best regards, Lucy



-- 
Lucy Sharratt, Coordinator
*Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN)*
/Collaborative Campaigning for Food Sovereignty and Environmental Justice/
Phone 902 209 4906
coordinator at cban.ca
www.cban.ca <http://www.cban.ca>
Follow us on Facebook 
<https://www.facebook.com/cban.canadian.biotechnology.action.network> 
and Twitter @biotechaction <https://twitter.com/biotechaction>

Action Alert: Demand mandatory, independent safety assessments of all 
genetically engineered foods. www.cban.ca/NoExemptions 
<https://cban.ca/take-action/no-exemptions/>

*Donate today* www.cban.ca/donate <http://www.cban.ca/donate>
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