Introduced as a private member’s bill. (These don’t often become law.)
Status
Second reading (Senate), as of Dec. 5, 2024 (This bill did not become law.)
Summary
This is from the published bill. The Library of Parliament has also written a full legislative summary of the bill.
This enactment prohibits the export by air from Canada of live horses for the purpose of being slaughtered or fattened for slaughter.
Elsewhere
All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.
Bill numbers are reused for different bills each new session. Perhaps you were looking for one of these other C-355s:
C-355 (2017)
An Act to amend the Navigation Protection Act (North Thames River, Middle Thames River and Thames River)
C-355 (2013)
An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act (voting hours)
C-355 (2011)
An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act (voting hours)
C-355 (2010)
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (cyberbullying)
Votes
Jan. 31, 2024Passed 2nd reading of Bill C-355, An Act to prohibit the export by air of horses for slaughter and to make related amendments to certain Acts
This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below.
Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Bill C-355 aims to prohibit the export of live horses by air for slaughter or fattening for slaughter. The bill includes an 18-month period before coming into force to allow stakeholders to adjust. Proponents argue the bill addresses animal welfare concerns during air transport, while opponents express concerns about economic impacts on horse breeders, particularly Indigenous communities, and the potential restriction on transporting horses for other purposes like competitions.
Liberal
Ban live horse exports: Bill C-355 seeks to prohibit the export of live horses for slaughter by air to prevent unnecessary suffering. The legislation is grounded in science and facts, addressing the unique risks horses endure during air transportation, including stress and harsh conditions.
Addresses a gap in law: Bill C-355 addresses a gap in existing legislation, as current provisions do not specifically target the export of live horses for slaughter by air. It aims to send a clear message that Canada opposes the practice of exporting live horses by air for slaughter and raw consumption.
Limited economic impact: The bill focuses solely on banning export, leaving the breeding, raising, and selling of horses within Canada untouched. This ensures that breeders can continue their activities while preventing horses from being subjected to the cruelty of long-distance air travel for slaughter.
Canadians support the bill: Seven out of ten Canadians support ending live horse exports by air for slaughter. Passing Bill C-355 aligns with public sentiment and demonstrates a commitment to the humane treatment of horses, reflecting the values and expectations of Canadians.
Conservative
Against Bill C-355: The Conservative party is against Bill C-355, which intends to prohibit the export by air of horses for slaughter. They believe it would harm Canadian producers, farm families, and related industries and restricts trade with allies.
Lack of consultation: Conservatives criticize the bill for being tabled without consulting affected stakeholders and for disregarding its unintended consequences.
Negative impact on Indigenous communities: The party emphasizes the bill's catastrophic consequences for Indigenous populations, who make up a significant portion of horse breeders in Canada, and accuses the Liberal government of threatening their livelihoods.
Based on activism, not facts: Conservatives argue the bill is based on activism and ideological views rather than scientific evidence and the opinions of experts. They insist that current regulations already ensure animal welfare during transport.
NDP
Supports banning live horse exports: The NDP has a history of advocating for this issue, with multiple private members' bills introduced since 2010. The current bill aligns with a mandate letter directing the minister to ban the export of live horses for slaughter.
Bill is narrowly focused: The bill specifically targets the export of live horses by air for slaughter or fattening for slaughter. It is not an attack on the horse industry in general or animal agriculture, but rather addresses a specific practice.
Committee improved the bill: The committee work involved thorough consideration, and amendments were made based on witness testimony. The committee removed onerous declaration requirements, demonstrating responsiveness to stakeholder concerns.
Industry support exists: Racetracks of Canada supports the bill, stating that the practice of exporting horses by air for slaughter is abhorrent. This support contradicts claims that the bill is an attack on animal agriculture.
Bloc
Extensive questioning: The Bloc Québécois thoroughly questioned Bill C-355, addressing the sensitivity of the issue and raising concerns about its initiation as a private member's bill despite aligning with a minister's mandate.
Focus on animal welfare: The Bloc Québécois emphasized their historical commitment to animal welfare, expressing concerns about focusing solely on air transportation rather than the broader Health of Animals Act, and questioning why the bill targets only one species.
Transportation conditions: The Bloc focused on transportation, noting improvements made in 2020, and considered scientific facts, societal values, and contradictory testimonies to make an informed decision on the bill.
