Outside the entrance to the House of Commons after the introduction of Bill S-214 for 2nd Reading (L to R) Liz White, Animal Alliance Canada; Troy Seidle, Humane Society international; MP Marilyn Gladu; Hilary Lloyd, The Body Shop; Darren Praznik, Cosmetics Alliance Canada (unable to attend the event was Cruelty Free International)
Bill S-214 (Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act) was introduced for 2nd reading in the House of Commons on June 3rd by Conservative Party Health Critic and MP Marilyn Gladu. The proposed legislation had its first hour of debate and then dropped to the bottom of the list where it remains until it can be further debated, voted on and moved to committee for amendment.
With Parliament now adjourned with a general election expected this fall, Bill S 214 is expected to die with this Parliament. This would mark the second Parliament in which this legislation was not approved.
We are, however, well positioned to see a reintroduction of a new Bill following the election as both main parties have given their commitment to do so. It is likely a new Bill will be introduced as government legislation in the next Parliament and is expected to align with the E.U. ban which CA has been advocating for all along.
The bill as originally drafted did not align with the E.U. ban, nor did it fit within Canada’s regulatory framework this would have resulted in many technical and legal issues should S-214 become law as currently drafted. Cosmetics Alliance worked extensively with various stakeholders, and both the Conservative Health Critic and Liberal Health Minister, to develop amendments that address these issues and align the legislation with the E.U. This work is expected to form the basis of a new bill following the election.
