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, requiring exporters to provide a written declaration that the horses are not intended for these purposes. The bill introduces new requirements for air carriers and customs officers, with potential penalties for non-compliance. The proposed legislation seeks to address animal welfare concerns associated with the transportation of horses, while also sparking debate about its potential impact on agricultural communities, indigenous groups, and international trade.
Liberal
Supports banning horse export: The Liberal party supports Bill C-355, which aims to ban the export of live horses by air for slaughter. Members emphasized the importance of the bill to their constituents and praised the bill's author for his dedication to animal welfare.
Ethical and humane treatment: The party believes exporting live horses for slaughter is inhumane, as horses are sensitive animals that endure stressful conditions during transport. Members noted that Canada has weaker animal welfare laws compared to other countries, so that banning export is the right thing to do, regardless of what other countries do.
Consultation and collaboration: Liberals highlighted the extensive consultations undertaken with stakeholders, including farmers, animal rights advocates, and industry representatives, to ensure a balanced approach in the legislation. The party aims to protect horses while considering the economic interests of those involved and will continue consulting with stakeholders as the bill advances.
Addresses public concerns: The bill addresses concerns expressed by Canadians regarding the inhumane treatment of horses, as evidenced by public opinion and petitions. The Liberal Party has pledged to improve protections for animals, and the bill reflects the commitment to align actions with national principles and safeguard animal welfare.
Conservative
Bill lacks scientific basis: The Conservatives argue that the bill to prohibit the export of horses for slaughter by air is not based on sound science or data, but rather on a motion. They contend that the legislation would harm various industries and that the Liberal government failed to consult adequately with experts and stakeholders.
Unintended consequences: The Conservatives express concerns about the unintended consequences of the bill on multiple industries, including equestrian events, and the burden it would place on pilots and customs officers. They also highlight the potential economic impact on Indigenous communities involved in horse breeding.
Stringent regulations already exist: They emphasize that Canada has strict safety regulations for transporting livestock, with a very low mortality rate for horses exported for slaughter. Conservatives believe existing regulations are sufficient and that the bill is an unnecessary attack on Canadian agriculture.
Activists are targeting farmers: The Conservatives believe that this bill is part of a larger agenda by activists to undermine livestock production and consumption in Canada. They raise concerns about where such activism will end and the potential impact on food security.
NDP
Supports the bill: The NDP will support the bill at second reading to allow for further consultation and to hear perspectives from various industry stakeholders at the agriculture committee. This will help in making an informed decision and determining if amendments are needed.
Government mandate: The MP questions why the government has not yet delivered on its commitment to ban the live export of horses for slaughter, as stated in the Prime Minister's mandate letter to the Minister of Agriculture in 2021, despite thousands of horses being exported since then.
Processing capacity: The MP raises concerns about Canada's lack of processing capacity and suggests that addressing this issue could allow Canada to reap the economic benefits of processing horses domestically, rather than exporting them live.
Public concern: The MP highlights the significant public concern regarding the live export of horses, referencing an e-petition with over 36,000 signatures. He questions how the government's consultations on this issue align with the bill.
Bloc
Opposed to the bill: The Bloc Québécois is opposed to the principle of Bill C-355, which seeks to prohibit the export by air of live horses for slaughter, because it singles out one species and does not address the broader issue of animal welfare during transportation.
Singling out horses: The Bloc questions why this bill focuses solely on horses when other animals are also exported under potentially inhumane conditions, and suggests that regulations on animal welfare and transportation should apply to all animals exported for slaughter.
Focus on transportation standards: The Bloc believes that addressing animal welfare requires a review of handling and transportation standards for all exported animals, rather than a ban on exporting one particular species by air, suggesting the Health of Animals Act could be amended to improve conditions.
Question government intentions: The Bloc raises concerns about the Liberal government's commitment to animal welfare, suggesting the bill may be a symbolic gesture to appease activist groups without genuine intent to address the broader issues of animal export and treatment.
