British Columbia MP Alex Atamanenko has proposed that Parliament pass legislation making sale or use of terminator seeds illegal in Canada.
However, the NDP agriculture critic told a May 31 news conference his private member’s bill will not be dealt with anytime soon.
“I believe this is an important first step,” he said of his bill, which is supported by the Bloc Québeçois and a coalition of church, farm, environmental and development groups.
“But I realize there are many private member’s bills and this bill will join the line.”
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It will not be debated at least until autumn or winter. Based on party positions, it is unlikely the bill would receive majority support in the Commons.
Genetic use restriction technologies allow scientists to genetically modify plant varieties by turning specific genes on or off. Terminator technology is a type of GURT that makes plants sterile after the first harvest by turning off their reproductive capability.
Opponents complain that it would end the ability of farmers to save their own seeds for replanting.
Terminator seeds are not licensed for use anywhere in the world.
Promoters argue that the concept benefits farmers by stopping the accidental drift of seeds from one field to another.
