I am co-chair of the Liberal Animal Welfare Working Group.
Our working group consists of Liberal Members of Parliament, representing all regions of Canada. The purpose of the group is to work on improving Canada’s animal welfare legislation with a holistic and balanced approach. The group aims to discuss and support evidence-based policies directly affecting animal welfare and protection.
Here is a quick update for your info on some animal welfare related issues:
Regulations amending the Health of Animal Regulations (Humane transportation)
On August 1st, 2018, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) published a notice of intent announcing that proposed amendments to the Regulations amending the Health of Animal Regulations (Humane transportation) would be published in Part II of the Canada Gazette.
Following the publication on February 20th, 2018, of the updated Health of Animals Regulations (animal transportation) in Part II of the Canada Gazette, the Working Group is studying those regulatory changes. Our group had a Q & A session and discussion regarding the Updated Health of Animals Regulations (animal transportation) with Jean-Claude Poissant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
Most recent status of animal welfare-related bills before the Senate
According to the LegisInfo database, with regards to S-203 An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts (ending the captivity of whales and dolphins), or the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act sponsored by Senator Wilfred P. Moore, the Third Reading stage in Senate was completed as of October 23rd, 2018. Green M.P. Elizabeth May tabled the bill in the House of Commons on October 29th, 2018. This bill passed Second Reading stage in the House of Commons Chamber and it was referred to the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans on February 1st, 2019. The Committee Reported the Bill in the House without Amendment on April 9th, 2019.
For S-214 An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act (cruelty-free cosmetics), or the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act sponsored by Senator Carolyn Stewart Olsen, after Third Reading this bill was passed by the Senate without amendment on June 19th, 2018. No additional updates have been provided. Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu tabled the bill in the House of Commons on Friday, April 12th, 2019.
Lastly, S-238 An Act to amend the Fisheries Act and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (importation of shark fins) or the Ban on Shark Fin Importation Act sponsored by the Hon. Senator Michael L. MacDonald, continues to be at the Third Reading stage, last addressed in the Senate on October 23rd, 2018. The bill was read a third time in the Senate and passed by the Senate. The First Reading in the House of Commons was on February 19th, 2019 by NDP MP Fin Donnelly. The first hour of debate for Second Reading was held on April 1st, 2019. The Government supports sending Bill S-238 to committee.
Bill C-84: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bestiality and animal fighting)
Members of the Liberal Animal Welfare Working Group are proud of our government’s introduction of Bill C-84: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bestiality and animal fighting). This legislation will update the Criminal Code to strengthen protections for children, other vulnerable individuals, and animals by broadening the scope of the bestiality and animal fighting offences. They are looking forward to the legislation being debated and adopted this Spring in the House of Commons.
Horse Slaughter
Last year we were profoundly disturbed to learn of the horse slaughter industry, and that live-draft exports continue to exist in Canada, despite their obvious threat to public safety and Canada’s reputation as a trusted exporter of meat.