From: Fillion3, Isabelle (HC/SC) [mailto:isabelle.fillion3@canada.ca] On Behalf Of Morin, David (HC/SC)
Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2017 7:38 AM
To: kwristen@livingoceans.org
Subject: Health Canada Response To Your Letter
Dear Mr. Butler and Ms. Wristen,
Thank you for your letter of May 19, 2017, addressed to the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, concerning the commercial production of genetically modified salmon in Canada. I have been asked to respond on the Minister’s behalf.
On November 23, 2013 the Government of Canada published the Significant New Activity Notice (SNAc) 16528 in the Canada Gazette which indicates the requirements for any person wishing to grow-out the AquAdvantage salmon (AAS) in Canada. One of the key requirements of the Notice is that the AAS must be grown-out only in fully contained land-based facilities. All adult fish must be euthanized before leaving the facility.
In addition to the requirements of SNAc Notice 16528, as determined by the Federal Court of Appeal, AquaBounty Canada Inc. (AquaBounty) is restricted to grow-out of the AAS in the Prince Edward Island facility in which a waiver was granted on August 19, 2013. This waiver was granted in relation to Aquabounty’s facility in Fortune Bay.
You have indicated concerns with the expansion of AquaBounty’s site at Rollo Bay West. Should AquaBounty wish to manufacture or grow-out the AAS at this site, a new notification will be required pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is responsible for enforcing the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 and its regulations, including the New Substances Notification Regulations (Organisms), and will be replying to your letter under separate cover.
Thank you for bringing your concerns to the Department’s attention.
Regards,
David Morin
Director, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada | Government of Canada
Directeur, Direction générale de la santé environnementale et de la sécurité des consommateurs
Santé Canada | Gouvernement du Canada
