The Hill Times, Opinion. September 11, 2023. The emergence of new genetic engineering techniques for food and farming renewed the deregulation ambitions of the biotechnology industry. The federal government has responded quickly with a hands-off approach. However, the use of new genomic technologies in our food system, such as gene editing, demands strong regulatory oversight.

Watershed Sentinel, November 2022. The promise of a simple technological fix is compelling. Whether it is world hunger or climate change, companies have promised that genetic engineering (genetic modification or GM) can come to the rescue. Successful or not, this “rescue” comes at price.

CounterPunch. September 2022. The release of genetically engineered (GE or genetically modified) trees is closer than it has ever been. Ironically, it could be the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) that opens the door to the commercialization of GE trees.

Watershed Sentinel, October 2, 2022: The global threat of genetically engineered (GE) trees is closer than ever. Ironically, it could be the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) — the organization that describes itself as “the original pioneers of forest certification” and claims to “promote the responsible management of the world’s forests” — that may open the door to the commercialization of GE trees.

The Hill Times, September 2022: The Minister of Health recently allowed Health Canada to give up its role as independent regulator when it comes to the safety of many future genetically engineered (genetically modified or GM) foods, and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food is contemplating a similar set of proposals on seeds from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Letter to the Editor, Published in the Toronto Sun, June 2, 2022 Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos has very recently allowed Health Canada to give up its role as independent regulator when it comes to the safety of some genetically modified (GM) foods. The decision...

Watershed Sentinel, Summer 2021: Designed to push new genes through entire populations in the wild, gene drive technology raises serious questions about monitoring, reversibility, and human control of nature

The Western Producer, June 10, 2021. Despite biotechnology industry complaints that regulation is just red tape that hampers competitiveness, companies rely on the legitimacy that government regulation provides. Asking Canadians to accept the safety assurance of product developers and rely on corporate co-operation is fuel for public mistrust.

Ontario Farmer, May 25, 2021: Health Canada is proposing new regulatory guidance for products of gene editing. The biotechnology industry is pleased that many gene edited foods could get to market faster but the public may be less enthused about the proposed lack of government oversight.

Toronto Star. May 23, 2021. Everyone agrees that we need evidence-based decision making. Yet Health Canada is proposing to let companies sell some new genetically engineered (commonly called genetically modified or GM) foods without presenting evidence of their safety to the government.