Cross-Canada Speaker’s Tour on Genetically Engineered Foods and Human Health

Cross-Canada Speaker’s Tour on Genetically Engineered Foods and Human Health

will be in Vancouver on November 19, 21, 23

Drs. Vrain and Chopra will be speaking in Vancouver to answer questions and concerns regarding genetically engineered (GE, also called genetically modified or GM) foods and human health. The Society for a GE Free BC, the Greenpeace Vancouver Local Group, and local volunteers have worked together to bring Genetically Engineered Foods and Human Health: A Cross-Canada Speaker’s Tour to Vancouver.

There will be three events in Vancouver:

Nov. 19, 7:00-9:00 at Canadian Memorial United Church and Centre for Peace, 1825 W 16th Ave. (at Burrard)

Nov. 21, 2:00-4:00 at the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS), 2260 West Mall, U.B.C.

Nov. 23, 2:30-4:30 at the Unitarian Church, 949 West 49th Ave. (at Oak)

These events will provide opportunities for the public to discuss their concerns regarding GE foods. The tour features presentations by Dr. Thierry Vrain, a retired soil biologist and genetic engineer who, after a 30-year career with Agriculture Canada, now speaks against GE technology, and Dr. Shiv Chopra, a former Health Canada senior scientific advisor who blew the whistle on Monsanto’s GE bovine growth hormone (rBGH). Drs. Vrain and Chopra will address the topic of GE foods and human health from both a scientific and a regulatory perspective.

Dr. Vrain will describe what the future holds for us if GE foods are not stopped. Dr. Chopra will discuss issues involving the Canadian regulatory process, including the story of bovine growth hormone (rBGH), highlighting how the regulatory process can be compromised to serve corporate interests, and how this situation can be mitigated.

Proponents of genetic engineering have discounted "minor" differences between animals fed GE and conventional corn or soy. Given that, in Canada, GE salmon, apples, and alfalfa are close to entering the marketplace, it is more important than ever for Canadians to have the opportunity to learn and discuss this matter and to discover how they can advocate for change.

This is a ‘by donation’ event. However, no one will be turned away.

For more information on the cross-Canada tour:

gefreebc.wordpress.com/gefoodstour

facebook.com/GEFreeBC