OTTAWA—MPs from across federal parties will hold a press conference to address the Senate deadlock on three animal protection bills—all of which are being blocked from reaching third reading before the Senate rises for the summer.
The parliamentarians will be joined by non-profit organizations advocating for animal protection.
Date: Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Time: 10:45 am
Where: Charles Lynch Press Theatre, Room 130-S, Centre Block
Who:
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Elizabeth May, MP, Saanich Gulf Islands and leader of the Green Party
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Michelle Rempel, Conservative MP, Calgary Nose Hill
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Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Liberal MP, Beaches—East York
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Fin Donnelly, NDP MP and Fisheries Critic, Port Moody—Coquitlam
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Camille Labchuk, lawyer and executive director, Animal Justice
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Julie MacInnes, campaign manager, Humane Society International / Canada
Background:
Bill S-203, the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act, is sponsored by Independent Senator Murray Sinclair. It was introduced in December 2015, then stalled repeatedly before passing second reading in November 2016. After extensive study in 17 meetings before the Senate Fisheries Committee, a committee report was presented to the Senate in October 2017, and adopted in April 2018.
Bill S-214, the Cruelty-free Cosmetics Act, was introduced by Conservative Senator Carolyn Stewart Olsen in December 2015. A committee report was presented to the Senate in October 2017, and adopted in February 2018.
Bill S-238, the Ban on Shark Fin Importation Act, was introduced by Conservative Senator Michael MacDonald in April 2017. After study by the Fisheries Committee, the Senate adopted the committee’s report in February 2018.
Contact:
Camille Labchuk
Executive Director