Animal agriculture is one of the most powerful industries in Canada, and it’s increasingly using that power to protect itself at all costs. As more Canadians question how farmed animals are treated and demand change, Big Ag has gone far beyond lobbying. It’s now intent on controlling the narrative, spreading disinformation, and attacking the people pushing for change.
When Big Ag gets away with these tactics, the costs are enormous—to animals, public health, the environment, and the kind of democracy where truth matters and big industries can still be held accountable when they cause harm.
This panel is an essential primer on how the animal agriculture industry, aligned corporations, and government allies work to manage public perception and bury inconvenient truths about animal abuse on farms, block reforms through political and corporate influence, and marginalize (or even criminalize) animal advocacy.
Speakers
- PJ Nyman: Corporate Engagement Manager – Animal Justice
- Dr. Elizabeth Schoales: Independent Scholar
- Dr. Tayler Zavitz: Advocacy Programs Specialist – Animal Justice
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction to Animal Justice and Panel Overview
- 03:01 Understanding Agriculture Front Groups
- 06:01 The Role of Disinformation in Animal Agriculture
- 08:53 Tactics of Agriculture Front Groups
- 12:07 Influence on Education and Youth
- 15:01 Public Perception and Target Audiences
- 17:55 Case Studies of Industry Influence
- 20:52 The Role of Government and Policy
- 24:12 Corporate Engagement and Animal Welfare Commitments
- 27:07 The Impact of Industry Consolidation
- 30:06 Marketing Strategies and Public Trust
- 33:12 Conclusion and Call to Action
- 52:49 Corporate Animal Welfare Policies and Industry Influence
- 01:01:05 The Criminalization of Animal Activism
- 01:22:56 Repression of Animal Activism in Canada
- 01:40:19 The Pushback Against Animal Activism
- 01:43:34 Future Directions for Animal Advocacy
