Close to 100 demonstrators gathered in front of the Prestige Oceanfront Resort to rally in support of a GE Free Vancouver Island.
They were promoting a resolution being considered by the delegates at the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC) that Vancouver Island be legislated as a GE-Free area. Resolution 10 partially read, “Be it resolved that AVICC ask the British Columbia government to legislate the prohibition of importing, exporting and growing plants and seeds containing genetically engineered DNA, and raising GE animals, on Vancouver Island.”
If passed, the resolution would be forwarded to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, who advocate on behalf of the municipalities to the provincial government.
The motion was passed in Sunday morning’s deliberations, with less than a handful of delegates voting against it.
AVICC is an annual gathering of representatives of local governments on Vancouver Island. A portion of their weekend is spent considering resolutions.
Resolutions that are passed are forwarded to UBCM for further consideration by the province-wide body. If passed at that level, issues are raised with the province.
The area association was established in 1950. It now has a membership of 51 municipalities and regional districts.