In support of this effort, more than 100 leading Canadian scientists signed the statement reprinted here. As scientists involved with the research and development of biotechnology and supporters of its use to provide better health and nutrition to people around the world, we urge Canadians to participate in a dialogue about the technology's potential. We strongly encourage Canadians to base that dialogue on sound science, on facts and on the results of peer-reviewed research. We hope that Canadians will not be influenced by those who resort to unfounded speculation and discredited science to alarm them about the safety of the foods they eat, the system that regulates those foods or the potential of new technologies to improve and expand the food supply.
Scientific knowledge continues to grow at a rapid rate.
The advances in genetics over the last 20 years are remarkable and impressive. As working scientists who have devoted our careers to participating in and learning from these developments, we believe the understanding of the process of genetic modification is sufficient to be confident about its outcomes. In fact, the transfer of genes between species and the creation of new drugs and plant varieties by genetic enhancement have been part of medical and agricultural improvements for at least a decade with no proven negative effects on people. Of course, we are constantly reviewing and assessing new scientific information. We understand that those who have not kept abreast of these advances might find the sheer volume of new knowledge daunting.