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Genetically engineered foods up for debate

The event takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Nelson United Church, 602 Silica Street, and is free to the public.

Two renowned Canadian scientists ­— Dr. Thierry Vrain and Dr. Shiv Chopra ­— will be arriving in Nelson on December 6 as part of a cross Canada Speaker’s Tour.

They will answer questions and concerns regarding genetically engineered (GE, also called genetically modified or GM) foods and human health.

The event takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Nelson United Church, 602 Silica Street, and is free to the public.

It offers an opportunity to learn from a genetic engineer what GMOs are and about safety testing from a former Health Canada scientific advisor.

Earlier the same day, Dr. Vrain and Dr. Chopra will present in Castlegar at  noon at Selkirk College.

The doctors will address the topic of GE foods and human health from both a scientific and a regulatory perspective, and will suggest what can be done about it.

About the speakers:

Dr. Thierry Vrain is a retired soil biologist and genetic engineer who ­—  after a 30-year career with Agriculture Canada — is now very worried about what GE technology holds for our future.

Dr. Shiv Chopra, a former Health Canada senior scientific advisor who blew the whistle on inadequate testing of Monsanto’s GE bovine growth hormone (rBGH), will explain why he believes the regulatory process can be compromised to serve corporate interests.

The Kootenay Co-op is a proud sponsor of the Speaker’s Tour, brought to Nelson  by the Society for a GE Free BC and the Greenpeace Vancouver Local Group.

Locally the Selkirk College Student Union (SCSU) Enviro Club partnered to present the Castlegar venue.