Madam Speaker, I have two petitions to present this afternoon.
The first petition is signed by many residents of metro Vancouver, including some from my constituency of Burnaby—Douglas.
The petitioners call upon the government to support a universal declaration on animal welfare. They point out that there is a scientific consensus and public acknowledgment that animals feel pain and can suffer. They call upon the government to do all it can to prevent animal cruelty and reduce animal suffering. They note that one billion people around the world rely on animals for their livelihoods and companionship. They also note that often in times of natural disasters, little attention is paid to the needs of animals and their importance to humans in that context.
They call upon Canada to participate in discussions and to support a universal declaration on animal welfare.