Green Party Urges Yes Vote on Bill C-474

OTTAWA -- Parliament will vote tomorrow on Bill C-474, which would require that an examination of potential harm to export markets be undertaken before the sale of any new genetically modified (GM) seed is allowed in Canada.  "This Bill is an important step in protecting Canadian farms from the impacts of genetically modified crops.  Farmers are asking for this as protection from major market losses in case GM crops are rejected and Parliament should support them," said Green Leader Elizabeth May.

Both the NDP and the Bloc Quebecois have said they will support the bill. The Greens are urging Liberals to follow suit.

"This enabling legislation will ensure that Canadian farmers are not shut out of export markets that do not allow GM contaminated crops," said May. “This seems like the least we can do to protect our farms."

The need for the Bill became evident during the so-called "Triffid" flax crisis.  Despite GM flax being removed from the market in 2001, in 2009 Canadian flax farmers were severely impacted by contamination leading to the removal of Canadian flax products from retailers in Europe.  The European market buys up to 70% of Canadian flax exports but does not allow genetically modified products to be sold.  "Flax is one of Canada's five major cash-crops and flax farmers have been suffering economic damage because of the lack of protective legislation. They and other farmers need Bill C-474 to pass so that they can remain economically viable."

The Green Party is advocating a ban on all new GMO seed varieties until more research is conducted on the economic impacts, including health and environmental impacts.

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Contact Information:
Debra Eindiguer
Press Secretary
Green Party of Canada
c: 613.240.8921
media@greenparty.ca
www.greenparty.ca