After some partisan bickering, MPs on the House of Commons agriculture committee began debate March 10 on a Liberal motion calling for a moratorium on approval of genetically modified alfalfa.
And despite the partisan divisions, the views across parties were not all that dissimilar.
Liberal Wayne Easter, who moved the motion at the committee, said organic sector witnesses during hearings into biotechnology flagged the possibility of GM alfalfa as the most imminent threat facing the industry.
He said he was not prejudging the issue but wanted government research into potential damage before any GM alfalfa variety is approved.
“This is a moratorium, not a ban,” he said. “It is to let government ensure that there are no negative implications.”
Conservative MPs, who accused Easter of “grandstanding” before a likely election call within weeks, said the issue is that while it may be a good proposal, it should not come in the middle of a study on biotechnology. It is premature.
“It’s really awkward to have this motion before us because we don’t have all the facts,” said Saskatchewan MP Randy Hoback. “The study is not complete. But farmers in my riding are concerned about GM alfalfa, no doubt about it.”
Conservatives noted that there is no application for a GM alfalfa variety currently in the regulatory approval system for commercialization.
The debate on Easter’s motion could resume the week of March 21 when Parliament reassembles after a one-week break but it is unlikely to be completed and come to a vote.
Opposition parties are expected to defeat the government that week and bring on an election, killing all legislations and motions now before Parliament.
