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 Canadian House of Commons yesterday, June 3rd, by Conservative Party Health Critic and MP Marilyn Gladu. As a private member’s bill, the proposed legislation had its first hour of debate and now drops to the bottom of the list before it can be further debated, voted on and moved to committee for amendment. A third reading after committee, as well as a return to the Senate for approval of amendments, would also be required for the Bill to become law during this Parliament.
The bill as originally drafted raised many technical details that neither align with the ban in the European Union or fit within the framework of Canada’s governing legislation for cosmetics, the Food & Drugs Act.
Cosmetics Alliance Canada has been working 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. within the Canadian regulatory context and structure.
We are please that during the course of the debate both major parties have committed to making the necessary amendments and proceeding with legislation post election. In particular, we would highlight the speeches of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, who spoke for the Government in yesterday’s debate, as well as Liberal MP T.J. Harvey (Tobique-Mactaquac, N.B.) who has been working with CA on this issue. Their speeches are available here.
Although anything can happen in the dying days of a Parliament, it is considered unlikely that the Bill will make it through the full approval process given the limited sitting days remaining before adjournment and this fall’s general election.
CA’s Darren Praznik with Benjamin Martin (L), Assistant to Conservative MP Marily Gladu, and Adam Exton (R), Director of Parliamentary Affairs at Office of the Minister of Health. Both were responsible for this file in their respective offices and worked closely with CA and other stakeholders to move this file forward.
If such is the case, we are well positioned to see a reintroduction of a new Bill following the election as both main parties have given their commitment to do so if they win the coming election. What’s more, it is likely a new Bill will come as government legislation, as well as meet the objective of aligning with the E.U. within our Canadian regulatory context.
CA will continue to keep you updated as this issues develops.
