S-241Bill not proceeded with

Law Would Ban Import of Elephant Ivory and Protect Great Apes

Protecting Elephants and Apes

Introduced Mar 21, 2022·Last discussed Feb 12, 2024

Summary

This proposed law wants to change the rules about certain animals in Canada. Specifically, it focuses on great apes (like chimpanzees and gorillas) and elephants. The proposed law would make it illegal for people to own or breed these animals. This means you couldn't have them as pets or run a business breeding them. It also aims to stop people from bringing elephant ivory and rhino horns into or out of Canada. This proposed law would mostly affect people who currently own or breed great apes or elephants. It would also affect businesses that trade in elephant ivory or rhino horns. Zoos might also be affected, as they would need to follow the new rules about owning these animals. This proposed law matters because it aims to protect these animals. Supporters believe it will help prevent animal cruelty and reduce the demand for products that harm endangered species like elephants and rhinos. It reflects a growing concern about animal welfare and the illegal wildlife trade.

Where This Lands on Key Issues

Where this proposed law falls on the policy spectrums that Canadians care about

Environment, Climate & ResourcesEmergency climate measures

The bill directly protects endangered species (great apes and elephants) and combats illegal wildlife trade (ivory and rhino horns), indicating a strong focus on conservation and environmental protection.

Crime & Public SafetyFocus on rehabilitation and prevention

By prohibiting the ownership and breeding of great apes and elephants, and banning the import/export of ivory and rhino horns, the bill creates new criminal offenses and aims to reduce illegal wildlife trade, thus impacting crime and public safety.

This bill

Bill Quality

Solid

This proposed law aims to protect certain animals like great apes and elephants by restricting their captivity and use for entertainment. It also introduces animal advocates into court proceedings to represent the animals' best interests, but the specific criteria for designating these advocates could be clearer.

Things to Watch For

The specific animal species to be protected will be determined later by the government.
The definition of 'best interests of the animal' is broad and could lead to inconsistent interpretations.
It's unclear how the animal advocate's role will be funded and supported.
The law depends on provincial cooperation for licensing and enforcement.
The impact on existing facilities that house these animals is not fully addressed.

Progress

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