VIGILANCE OGM unveils interactive map on the lobbying practices of the pesticide and GMO industry in Canada
The organization highlights the complacency of public decision-makers
November 28, 2024 – Lobbying campaigns by the pesticide and GMO industry are raising concerns about our democratic processes in the public interest, according to the Quebec network Vigilance OGM (GMO Watch). This morning on Parliament Hill, the group unveiled an interactive map illustrating the reach of the corporate lobbying activities of the main pesticide and biotechnology lobby group CropLife, the main pesticide and GMO lobby group, and its allies.
“Our intention is to shed light on certain lobbying practices that we have observed for more than a decade and that have an impact on Canadian agricultural policies to the detriment of the public interest. We can no longer go from scandal to scandal without addressing the underlying and systemic issues”, says Thibault Rehn, Coordinator of Vigilance OGM.
The Map of lobbying includes numerous explanatory pages in French that illustrate, in particular, the “revolving door” phenomenon and the privileged relationships between CropLife executives and public officials. For example, key leadership positions at CropLife are held by former senior executives from Health Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, or Agriculture Canada. It also highlights how the industry amplifies its message by multiplying supportive voices.
According to Lucy Sharratt, Coordinator of the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network: “Corporate interests are being amplified by organizations and public education initiatives that appear independent, but are tied to corporate members and funding.”
Bruce P. Lanphear, a physician and professor in Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University, reflected on his time as co-chair of the science advisory committee at the Pesticide Management Advisory Council (Health Canada), from which he resigned in protest: “I witnessed the industry in action, influencing how the government regulates toxic chemicals. I remain baffled by our government’s inaction in the face of such influence. As an expert in toxic chemicals, I know that this complacency has and will continue to have significant consequences for the health of Canadians”, warns Dr. Lanphear.
Vigilance OGM is calling on public decision-makers to closely monitor and regulate corporate lobbying to safeguard the public interest in matters of pesticides and GMOs. A guided tour is planned from Parliament Hill to the office of CropLife at 350 Sparks Street.
Media Relations : for interviews in English with Lucy Sharratt, Coordinator of the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network or in French with Thibault Rehn, Coordinator of Vigilance OGM contact: Lise Huneault C. 514 245-9789 l.huneault@alicerp.com
A preliminary English language summary of the map is available at www.cban.ca/CorporatePRmap
Vigilance OGM is a Quebec non-profit organization made up of groups and individuals from diverse backgrounds – farmers, environmentalists, consumers, citizens – all concerned about what we put on our plates every day and by the impact of modes agricultural production on the environment and human health. www.vigilanceogm.org
The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN) brings together 16 groups to research, monitor and raise awareness about issues relating to genetic engineering in food and farming. CBAN members include farmer associations, environmental and social justice organizations, and regional coalitions of grassroots groups. CBAN is a project on the shared platform of the MakeWay Charitable Society. www.cban.ca
