Canada is swimming ahead of many other countries in order to safeguard the wellbeing of dolphins and whales. Bill S-203 would see the permanent end to cetacean captivity in Canada. The only two facilities in Canada that currently have dolphins, beluga whales, and orcas (the Vancouver Aquarium and Marineland) could keep their current cetaceans, but could not breed them or bring in new animals.
The legislation recently passed a key House committee without any amendments, paving the way for a final vote in the full House. Proponents have until July to gain final passage of Bill S-203, before the Canadian Parliament adjourns for the year.
The bill is sponsored by Green Party leader Elizabeth May and supported by many thousands of people, including NDP MP Don Davies, who had this to say about captivity:
“Confinement and social isolation are used as punishment for humans. When our species is kept in small indoor spaces without any control of our environment or food sources, we experience profound psychological harm. It’s clear that the same negative impacts occur for these highly intelligent creatures. Frankly, it’s cruel.”
Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith has also expressed support, saying that for many, including children, this issue is a no-brainer: “Kids get this. The number of letters written to MPs and senators from kids across the country is incredible, (as are) the drawings they have submitted. They understand this very simple but powerful idea that (when) animals think and feel; they deserve to be treated humanely, respectfully and with compassion. That’s exactly what bill S-203 will do.”
Once passed by the House of Commons, the bill must be signed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Please urge Mr. Trudeau to support and sign Bill S-203:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2
Fax: 613-941-6900
https://pm.gc.ca/eng/connect (Use the Email Form under “Contact Prime Minister”)
If you live in Canada, please contact your House representative and urge them to support Bill S-203 without amendments. Dolphins, beluga whales, and orcas do not belong in small concrete tanks doing tricks to entertain us.
