Press Release from Government of Canada:

Canada Signs the Cartagena Protocol to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity

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Ottawa/New York – April 19, 2001 – The Government of Canada today signed the Cartagena Protocol to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. The Protocol, also known as the Biosafety Protocol, regulates the transboundary movement of living organisms that are the products of biotechnology and that may have adverse effects on biodiversity. The Protocol is a major step forward towards strengthening Canada's regulatory framework internationally.

The Protocol was signed at the United Nations in New York by Environment Minister David Anderson.

"I am proud to be signing, on behalf of Canada, the Cartagena Protocol to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity", said Minister Anderson. "Our signature on this Protocol demonstrates the Government of Canada's continued commitment to international cooperation and leadership to protect human health and the environment."

The Protocol, negotiated at the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in Montréal in January 2000, will protect biodiversity while permitting trade of living modified plants, animals and micro-organisms in a way that is consistent with the rules of the World Trade Organization.

"We have given concerns about biosafety and biodiversity equivalency, consistency and conformity within international trade law," stated Minister Anderson." This is a reflection of the government's commitment to reconcile trade and economic policies with strong consideration for the environment."

Currently, Canadian trade in biotechnology products is worth over $ 2 billlion per year for Canadian companies. Biotechnology firms and research centres are located in every Canadian city and region. The biotechnology sector employs thousands of Canadians and is projected to continue growing at a rate of 10% per year. Gains made in this technology have helped Canadian companies develop and maintain a leadership role in a demanding global marketplace.

Eighty-seven countries have signed the Protocol and two, Bulgaria and Trinidad and Tobago, have ratified it. Canada will continue to work within the international community on the legal and administrative rules to implement the Protocol. The Government of Canada will consider ratification of the Protocol when rules have been clarified and there has been meaningful consultation with Canadians.