Is there a mechanism for considering ethical issues in the application of genetic modification to foods?
The government recognizes that ethical considerations are important issues related to consumer choice. Potential ethically sensitive modifications such as the inclusion of animal or fish genes into crops will need to be collectively examined and agreed upon. For some people, the use of genetically modified products to any extent is an ethical issue. To that end, the federal government announced the creation of the Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee (CBAC) as part of its renewed biotechnology strategy in 1999. CBAC is an expert, arm’s length committee formed for the purposes of advising the Ministers on issues related to biotechnology such as ethics but also including the scientific, social, economic, regulatory, environmental and health aspects. CBAC is working to raise the public’s awareness of the regulatory process and provides an ongoing forum for the public to voice their views. The Advisory Committee under the Canadian Biotechnology Strategy is expected to consider ethical
