Last year, Health Canada commissioned a study into consumer perceptions of foods containing genetically modified (GM) organisms. The findings showed that 78 per cent want GM food labelled so they know what they are buying. Over the past 20 years, polls have consistently shown that over 75 per cent of Canadians support the labelling of GM food (see also this 2015 Ipsos Reid poll [88 per cent]). 

Pro-democratic and pro-transparency – not anti-GM 

It is all too easy to call those who express concerns about GM food “anti-GM.” This is wrong. The real issue is whether we believe in transparency and democracy.  

On 15 December 2016, in response to a question about mandatory labelling for GM foods, according to MP Pierre-Luc Dusseault, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Radio-Canada: 

“This is about protecting consumers. I am hearing consumers say loud and clear that they want to know more about what they are putting in their bodies. This is a good thing. We are working with them.” 

One would assume that the PM might therefore have little difficulty in supporting Dusseault’s private members’ bill C-291 to amend the Food and Drugs Act, which will be voted on in early May. The aim of the bill is to secure mandatory labelling of GM foods. It would allow consumers to have access to more transparent information on food labels.  

The bill is not part of an anti-GM campaign. It would not inhibit the production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Canada. If passed, the bill would support MPs in their collective duty to uphold the values of democracy and respect the wishes of the majority of Canadians. Transparency demands that consumers have a right to know what is in food so they can make informed choices.