May 25, 2000 / Western Producer / Barry Wilson Ottawa bureau
Columnist Wilson says it is not quite a David and Goliath duel, more like a David and Howard standoff.
The David is Suzuki, a renowned Vancouver geneticist, TV host and critic of genetically modified food.
The Howard is Hilstrom, Manitoba Canadian Alliance MP who supports work on genetically modified organisms and who questions the motives of its critics.
Last week, 64-year-old Suzuki asked 53-year-old Hilstrom to step outside to settle their differences over GMOs. He did not specify if he meant physically or in court. During a recent parliamentary debate on GMO food labeling, Wilson says, Hilstrom questioned the motives, credibility, qualifications and sincerity of Suzuki when he argues against the present system of regulating genetically engineered food.
In a letter to the MP, Suzuki was quoted as saying, "I would welcome it if you were to make your accusations about me to my face outside the walls of Parliament. As a person elected to represent the people, you have behaved in a most uninformed way that demeans your office."
Elsewhere, he accused Hilstrom of being "irresponsible" and of making an accusation "breathtaking in its ignorance."
Hilstrom drew the ire of the CBC broadcaster and genetic engineering skeptic during a speech in the House of Commons in which he defended the biotechnology industry and advocated voluntary rather than mandatory labeling of GM food products.
(posted without permission)
