CA continues to collaborate with other stakeholders including Cruelty Free International, The Body Shop, Humane Society International and Animal Alliance of Canada. All agree that, to have the best chance of success, any bill must have input from and the support of industry as well as the Health Minister. The group is aligned on the principles necessary in any legislative language including alignment with the E.U. and are collectively advancing these principles to the Conservative Health Critic and sponsor of the bill, M.P. Gladu as well as the Health Minister.
M.P. Gladu and the Health Minister both recognize the issues with the current wording of Bill S-214 and Health Canada is prepared to draft the necessary legislative amendments once the bill passes first reading in the House of Commons and proceeds to Committee stage where it can be amended. CA met with the Health Minister’s staff in Ottawa on March 20 to review the principles of the amednments including alignment with the E.U. in the Canadian regulatory context, and is also working with M.P. Gladu and her office to help pave the way for introduction of the bill.
CA has also met with various members of the Conservative caucus including rural M.P.’s to garner their support for this process and objectives.
