Genetically modified foods and human health is the topic of a public program scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, at First United Church.
The program will feature an illustrated talk by Dr. Thierry Vrain, a retired soil biologist and geneticist who, after a 30-year career with Agriculture Canada, no longer supports genetic engineering (GE) technology.
Alarmed by the avalanche of scientific studies out of Europe raising many concerns about the longterm safety of GE foods, Vrain is intent on increasing public awareness about this important issue and having federal agencies in the U.S. and Canada take notice.
Vrain will explain what genetic engineering is, how it began, and how it has progressed. Citing the latest scientific studies, he will speak about the documented effects of genetically engineered foods, and what the future holds for us if GE foods are not stopped.
This program is part of a cross-Canada speakers’ tour on the topic of GE foods and human health designed to provide the Canadian public with an opportunity to discuss their concerns around GE foods, including the allergenic potential of GE plants, and the fact that there is no independent testing of GE crops or animals in Canada.
“At a time when GE salmon, apples, and alfalfa are close to entering the Canadian marketplace, it is more important than ever for Canadians to have the opportunity to learn and discuss this pressing matter and to discover how they can advocate for change,” says Kairos representative Anne Morris.
During November and December, Vrain and his colleague, Dr. Shiv Chopra, will speak in more than 30 communities in Western Canada, and in many more in Eastern Canada in the coming year.
The speakers tour is sponsored by Vancouver Greenpeace and the Society for a GE-Free BC, and locally by the Salmon Arm KAIROS Committee with support from the Shuswap Environmental Action Society (SEAS) and Shuswap in Transition (SiT).
The Nov. 29 event will be a free public program, with donations toward expenses gratefully received.
For more information, call 250-833-5773.
