Regulatory
Canada's regulatory system ensures every possible precaution is taken in assessing the safety of foods before they are made available to the consumer and subject biotech crops to a far more rigorous process than is required for non-GM foods. The fact that Canada has one of the safest food supplies in the world is evidence of how well this system is working. In Canada, there are three agencies responsible for the evaluation of health and safety of GM food and feed:
In Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for regulating agricultural products to assess whether new products are effective and safe for humans, animals and the environment. Plants with novel traits are regulated alongside similar products developed using traditional technologies.
Every product is examined for:
- the potential for plants to spread and transfer genetic material to the other species,
- the potential harm to non-target species,
- the disruption of balance in natural ecosystems through the replacement of species, and
- the loss of biodiversity (diversity of species, variation of characteristics).
In the case of plants with novel traits (new characteristics or attributes scientifically introduced to a plant), environmental assessment is required for confined field trials (plants are grown in fields in a confined area for research purposes and in a manner that prevents transfer of pollen to neighbouring fields), a second assessment is required for unconfined release, and if it is to be used as a food or feed it must then undergo a further safety assessment by Health Canada or CFIA before it may be used for commercial production.
CropLife Canada goes above and beyond the regulatory requirements. For more information our stewardship activities, click here.
Herbicide Tolerance (HT) Database
A Best Management Practices Guide - CropLife Canada has produced a Best Management Practices guide that communicates effective strategies for managing HT volunteers in succeeding crops. This guide has been distributed to growers to ensure they have the most current and up to date information to ensure Good Agricultural Practices. Visit HT Crops and Control Options (MS Excel).
Position Papers
Coexistence of Process Based Agricultural Production Systems - Conventional, Organic and Genetically Engineered (GE) Crops
Outlines the current situation in Canada where biotech, conventional and organic cropping systems are being used in successful coexistence with each other and describes the issues involved in maintaining this successful coexistence.
Antibiotic Resistance Markers and Biotechnology
Discusses the use of antibiotic resistance markers in the development of genetically modified crops, including their safety for the environment and human health.
Labelling of Foods Derived from Biotechnology
Outlines the issues surrounding labelling foods derived from crops modified through biotechnology.
Market Access and Commercialization of Biotech Crops
Summarizes the importance of allowing industry and Canadian farmers access to technologies as they develop, especially with respect to genetically modified crops.
Resistance Management and Genetically Modified Crops
Reviews the importance of resistance management in maintaining the competitiveness of Canadian growers, particularly as it relates to genetically modified crops.
Market Access and Commercialization
Click here to see industry's position on Market Access and Commercialization of Biotech Crops
Regulatory Submissions
Click here for the frequently asked questions:
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