We, the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the House to the following:
THAT all Canadians must examine genetically modified foods in the social, historical, environmental, economic and ethical contexts before deciding whether to accept or reject them;
THAT there has not been systematic, comprehensive, independent scientific investigation of the health effects of GM foods;
THAT genetic modification threatens the balance of the biosphere and erodes bio-diversity;
THAT historically, fertilizers, chemicals, and other technologies have failed to fulfill their promises of farm profitability, and farmers question the economic benefits of genetically modifying crops and livestock;
THAT consumers around the world are rejecting GM foods - closing markets, driving prices down and overwhelming any economic benefits that GM crops or livestock may offer;
THAT the proliferation of GM crops has effectively deprived many organic farmers of the option of growing some kinds of crops organically;
THAT patented seeds sold through contract and "technology-use-agreements" erode farmers' autonomy.
THEREFORE your petitioners call upon Parliament to impose a moratorium on the production, importation, distribution, and sale of GM foods until questions regarding consumer acceptance, human health, environmental implications, technology ownership, and farmer profitability are answered to the satisfaction of the majority of Canadians.
