In answer to the first question, I would say that there are threats from the multinationals and the major companies. It is as if they are saying that, if we start to think about discussing this bill, they will withhold their investment. But that is not going to happen. They have made billions of dollars so far.
Anyway, there will be a lot of technological advances that have nothing to do with genetically modified organisms. They are doing a huge amount of work in the area and I have difficulty believing that they would stop their investments. That makes no sense.
Will this be detrimental to Canada? In my opinion, no. Once again, let me use the example of Argentina, one of the world's major exporters of soy. They have no problem. Anyway, we already have a GMO industry in Canada. My bill does not prevent companies from continuing to do what they do, because the market is there. If we use my criteria, or if we consider the goal of the bill, the market is already there for canola, for example. If they develop a new kind of canola, this does not prevent them in the slightest from doing what they are already doing.
I think that those arguments are red herrings designed to stop us coming to grips with the issue.