Canadian Bill S-203: Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act is scheduled to undergo clause-by-clause consideration Tuesday, April 2 during the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans hearing, and Marineland has issued a last-minute request for amendments to the bill.
Once passed, Bill S-203 will make breeding and keeping cetaceans in captivity a criminal offense in Canada with fines of up to $200,000 levied against those not adhering to the law.
In a letter sent to the House fisheries committee, Marineland outlined issues it had with the bill — namely the fact that if the bill were to pass, the park would automatically be in violation due to pregnant beluga whales currently being held at the facility, which are expected to give birth in 2020. As a result, Marineland has asked the committee to amend the bill to exempt the anticipated beluga births three years after the bill was first introduced in the Senate!
If the committee members vote in favor of any one of these amendments, Bill S-203 would be sent back to the Senate where it was previously stalled for years by pro-captivity Conservative lawmakers!
CANADA: TAKE ACTION!
- Urge Minister of Fisheries Jonathan Wilkinson to ensure Bill S-203 passes switfly through committee without amendment! CLICK HERE to send Minister Wilkinson a message!
- Contact the Liberal Party of Canada and urge them to support the passage of Bill S-203 without amendment! CLICK HERE to find MPs' contact information.
- Educate others about the issue and ask them to take action!
- Make a donation today to help LCA continue the fight against cetacean captivity.
Click here to learn more about LCA's investigation into Marineland Canada.
Photo: LCA