The Hook: Political news, freshly caught
Genetically modified plants won't take root with councillors in Richmond, BC
RICHMOND, B.C. - Richmond City Council says engineered crops and plants have no place in the gardens of Metro Vancouver. Read more…
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Cohen rejects request to reopen salmon hearings
Commissioner Bruce Cohen last week rejected an application to reopen his inquiry into the crash of the sockeye salmon, saying evidence of a new salmon virus (HSMI) was too new and uncertain to warrant such a step when his final report is due on September 30. Read more…
BC biotech company seeks approval for GM apple
A Summerland-based biotechnology company is seeking Canadian approval for a genetically engineered non-browning apple. Read more…
BC committee crosses Clark on cosmetic pesticide ban
A year ago British Columbia Premier Christy Clark promised a province-wide ban on the cosmetic use of pesticides. But now the government majority on the bi-partisan committee she appointed on the topic has recommended against such a ban. Read more…
- Health ,
- Food ,
- BC Politics and
- Environment
Canada should drop 'self-righteous' attitude over food: UN Rapporteur
Olivier De Schutter, the UN's Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food wrapped up his mission to Canada with a message that the federal government needs to take seriously the widespread problem of hunger in this wealthy country. Read more…
Reporters will remain free to report on animal disease outbreaks: minister
The British Columbia government has no intention of restricting journalists from reporting on disease outbreaks on farms, said Agriculture Minister Don McRae. Read more…
Right to Food Rapporteur wraps up first week in Canada
Olivier De Schutter met with civil society groups in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Winnipeg to discuss a range of issues related to food security; including poverty and hunger, GMOs, migrant workers policies and foreign investment in Canadian farmland. Read more…
BC Liberals used taxpayer resources to bash opposition: NDP
The British Columbia government is using taxpayer resources for partisan BC Liberal political purposes, said NDP House Leader John Horgan. Read more…
BC commissioner critical of animal health secrecy measures
Information and privacy commissioner Elizabeth Denham has sent her second letter this week criticizing a British Columbia government bill. Read more…
Federal agriculture budget cuts worrisome, but BC lab move welcomed
The chair of the British Columbia Wine Grape Council said that while he is worried about the federal government's cuts to the agriculture budget, he welcomes the plan to close the Centre for Plant Health on Vancouver Island and move its activities to a research station in the Okanagan. Read more…
New Norwegian virus in farmed salmon: Morton
Wild-salmon advocate Alexandra Morton says B.C. supermarkets are now selling farmed salmon that tests positive for a new virus that may also be harming wild salmon. Read more…
- Food and
- Environment
Agriculture, food safety hard hit by staff cuts
More than 5,500 federal service employees were notified today that they could lose their jobs. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is amongst the hardest-hit federal department with 689 notices received. Read more…
End of 'Enviropig' project proves little interest in GM meat
A herd of genetically-modified pigs in Ontario will likely be euthanized because of a lack of interested buyers. Read more…
Critics question carbon tax grants for greenhouse sector
The British Columbia government announced today it will give greenhouse businesses back what it collects from the sector in carbon tax, a move critics say will have other industries wanting the same treatment. Read more…
- Food ,
- BC Politics and
- Environment
Company amassing options on protected Delta farmland
A development company has quietly put together $100 million in options to purchase 226 hectares of Delta farmland now protected in the agricultural land reserve, independent MLA Vicki Huntington said today. Read more…
NDP critic finds BC agriculture plan empty
The British Columbia government's plans for agriculture are meaningless without money to pay for them, said New Democratic Party Agriculture Critic Lana Popham. Read more…
Atlantic salmon in Lower Mainland markets test positive for ISA virus: Morton
Atlantic salmon purchased in three Lower Mainland supermarkets have tested positive for Infectious Salmon Anemia virus (ISAV), according to biologist and wild-salmon advocate Alexandra Morton. While ISAV is not known to harm humans, it poses a threat to both farmed and wild salmon. Read more…
- Food and
- Environment
BC salmon-farming critic removed from Canada but vows to continue battle
VANCOUVER -- Only days after he was removed from Canada for overstaying a visitor's permit, a controversial salmon-farming critic says he has settled in Norway to "slay the dragon in its own lair." Read more…
- Rights + Justice and
- Food
US court dismisses lawsuit against Monsanto
A U.S. judge has thrown out a lawsuit against Monsanto and criticized the plaintiffs for creating "a controversy where none exists." .
The Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association (OSGATA) was hoping for a ruling that would stop Monsanto from suing farmers or dealers if their organic seed became contaminated with Monsanto's patented genetically modified seed. The Public Patent Foundation filed the lawsuit on behalf of OSGATA and more than 50 other organizations in March, 2011 Read more…
Jumbo-sized carbon footprint of farmed shrimp tracked by scientist
Wonder no more what is the carbon footprint of a shrimp cocktail -- for every 551 grams of aquaculture shrimp produced, a ton of carbon is released into the atmosphere. Read more…
- Food and
- Environment
