Rachel Parent
Rachel Parent | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 1999 (age 24) |
| Occupation(s) | student, activist |
| Years active | 2010-present[1] |
| Website | KidsRightToKnow.com |
Rachel Parent is a Toronto-based activist for healthy eating and issues related to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in foods. She is the founder of Kids Right To Know, a non-profit organization that educates young people about making healthy and environmentally sound food choices, whilst promoting the testing and labeling of genetically modified foods.[1]
Overview
Parent's interest in genetically modified foods began when she was 11 years old. She was required to research material for a school project and chose the subject of GMOs. During her research, Parent noticed there was a lack of independent testing concerning the long-term risks of GMOs. She also found it troubling that Canada did not require food manufacturers to put labels on genetically modified foods.[2][3]
The Lang and O'Leary Exchange
On the May 27, 2013 episode of the CBC television program The Lang and O'Leary Exchange, Kevin O'Leary criticized protestors belonging to the March Against Monsanto movement by saying, "Monsanto should be held up as a hero because they’ve developed technologies that help underdeveloped countries increase productivity by 5 and 10 times. You’re an ignorant and stupid person if you say what Monsanto does is bad for human beings."[4][5][6]
After the program aired, Parent challenged O'Leary to a debate, saying, "I want to respond to Mr. Kevin O'Leary's idiotic statement about 'stupid' people who protest against Monsanto. I challenge you, Mr. O'Leary, to have me on your show next week, and if you promise not to use the word 'stupid,' then I won't use the word fascist."[7]
On July 31, Parent appeared for a ten-minute interview on the Lang and O’Leary Exchange to debate her position that GMO labeling should be mandatory and that GMOs should be independently tested. O'Leary asked Parent if she thought she was a lobbyist for the anti-GMO movement. O'Leary also asked Parent if she was a 'shill' for groups adding, "You’re young, you’re articulate, you’re getting lots of media, and I’m happy for you on that. But I’m trying to figure out whether you really deep down believe this."[5][8][9]
Meeting with health minister
On November 5, 2014 Parent met with the then Canadian Health Minister, Rona Ambrose, to discuss labeling of GMO food. The brief 45-minute meeting was the result of Global News asking Ambrose if she would agree to meet with Parent.[10]
Activism
Parent has given many radio, television and magazine interviews. She also gave a number of presentations at the 14th annual Planet In Focus Film Festival[11][12] Green Living Show, Total Health Show,[13] TedX Toronto,[14] Australia UpLift Festival[15] and the Toronto Veg Fest[16]
In 2014, Parent was named one of Toronto's Top 20 under-20s by Post City Toronto magazine[17]
On June 30, 2016, Parent met with Canada's current Minister of Health, Jane Philpott, to discuss GMOs and labeling. Dr. Philpott was presented with a list of international organizations supporting GMO labeling that included the Ontario Public Health Association, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, American Nurses Association and the British Medical Association.[18]
References
- ^ a b
"Rachel's Bio". Rachel Parent. Retrieved 2017-01-12.
{{cite web}}: Check|archiveurl=value (help) - ^ Mallory, John. "Kevin O'Leary Is Challenged by 14-year-old Activist Rachel Parent". The Canadian Daily. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
- ^ Di Boscio, Chere. "THE 'NO TO GMO' POSTER GIRL: RACHEL PARENT". Eluxe Magazine. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
- ^ LaRosa, Mark. "14-Year-Old Anti-GMO Activist Agitates Monsanto Shill, Kevin O'Leary". OrganicSlant.com. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
- ^ a b Robson, Kim. "Youth Activist Takes on Monsanto". Green Mom. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
- ^ Knowles, David. "14-year-old anti-GMO activist Rachel Parent takes on condescending TV host Kevin O'Leary, interview goes viral". NY Daily News. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
- ^ "CBC News". CBC. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
- ^ "Trancript of O'Leary Debate". Lybio.net. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
- ^ Milne, Vanessa. "What it Feels Like to Take on Kevin O'Leary". Chatelaine. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
- ^ Press coverage:
- Vuchnich, Allison; Vella, Erica (November 6, 2014). "GMO labelling activist Rachel Parent has rare meeting with health minister". Global News. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
- Lee, Adrian (February 24, 2015). "Today's Newsmaker". Macleans Magazine. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
- "Total Health Show". Global News. April 17, 2014. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
- "Kids' power to affect change". Organic Week Feature. Globe and Mail. Retrieved 15 August 2017.
- ^ D'Amico, Mark. "Planet in Focus Film Festival Launches with Press Conference". WeRAddicted.
- ^ "Rachel's Biography". Kids Right to Know. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
- ^ "Total Health Show Speakers". Total Health Show. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
- ^ "TEDxToronto 2014 Talk: Rachel Parent: Why You Have the Right to Know What's in Your Food". TedX Toronto. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
- ^ "Rachel's Bio - Past Events 2013". Kids Right to Know. Retrieved 31 January 2017.
- ^ "How Food Can Heal the Planet with Rachel Parent". VegFoodFest - Speakers.
- ^ "Toronto's Top 20 under 20". PostCity.
- ^ Todhunter, Colin. "GMWatch". Retrieved 2 February 2017.