The District of Squamish hasn't jumped on the anti-genetically modified (GM) produce band wagon that's rolling through B.C.
On June 10, 2013, the City of North Vancouver banned genetically modified crops, trees and plants from its soil. The city's resolution, which was passed unanimously, includes a pledge to examine a broader restriction on the sale of GM crops, meats, fish, poultry and seeds within municipality's boundaries. The city's officials are also calling on upper levels of government to implement a regime of mandatory labelling of all genetically modified organisms (GMO) for sale in Canada.
The resolution hit the District of Squamish's council table on July 2 with a request for support, but officials weren't eager to eat it up.
There are a lot of positives when it comes to GMOs, Coun. Susan Chapelle said, adding without them, it would be impossible to feed the world's population. The World Health Organization backs GM foods, which can be altered to offer a higher nutritional value, improve crop yield and do away with the use of heavy pesticides, Chapelle told The Chief.
Genetically modified, biodiversity and organisms, yes, maybe there is some that are bad, but there is absolutely zero science that says there is anything bad about genetically modified foods, she said, noting they are biologically identical.
Politicians shouldn't make sweeping policy decisions based on gut reactions, Chapelle said, adding that's simply irresponsible.
Coun. Patricia Heintzman said the topic should be examined when the municipality pieces together its agricultural plan, a policy officials are scheduled to look at within the next two years.
The effort to curb genetically engineered products has been ongoing since the mid-1990s, GE Free B.C. steering committee member Tony Beck said. Canada, U.S., Argentina and Brazil are the world's worst offenders when it comes to the use of GM crops, Beck said. Corn, canola and soy are the most commonly modified plants, he said, noting historically the European Union has constrained the use of GM crops.
Sixty-one B.C. municipalities have passed resolutions to ask residents and retailers to bar GE crops from their communities, Beck said.
When we have the opportunity to make presentation to council, they generally support these issues, he said.
