In a move that we and many others are praising, the Canadian government has announced new legislation that will ban the capture of any dolphin or whale from Canadian waters for the purposes of keeping them captive. The legislation takes the form of amendments within the national Fisheries Act, which is currently being updated in order to reflect the evolving moral values of Canadians and to recoup from losses endured during the previous Conservative government. 

“The public acceptance of keeping these majestic creatures in captivity has changed, and we think the law should reflect that,” said Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc. “We’re telling Canadians now we will be banning the capture of cetaceans for the purpose of keeping them in captivity. We think they will have massive support for that principle.”

While the amendments represent an important step in the right direction, there remains a way to go toward actually ridding the country of the captivity industry for good. Bill S-203, which would see the prohibition of the import or export of cetaceans or their reproductive tissues across borders and between facilities, is currently in the Senate. Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party and an ardent supporter of the bill, said that Conservative Senator Donald Plett is continuing to block the bill.

We have asked that you call and write to Sen. Plett, requesting that he support the bill that so many Canadians clearly want to see passed. If you have not done so already, please take a moment to contact him and share this alert with your community.