Please read the following letter sent by Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich–Gulf Islands and Leader of the Green Party of Canada, to Nova Scotia’s Minister of Natural and Renewable Resources, the Hon. Tory Rushton, sharing support for the Whale Sanctuary Project’s proposal for a sea sanctuary in Port Hilford, Guysborough County, Nova Scotia.
The Honourable Tory Rushton
Minister of Natural and Renewable Resources
1701 Hollis Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 3M8
May 26, 2025
Re: Establishing a sea sanctuary at Port Hilford, Guysborough County, NS
Dear Minister Rushton,
I am writing to share my support for the Whale Sanctuary Project’s proposal to establish a sea sanctuary at Port Hilford, Guysborough County. This project would provide for an area of 100 acres which would have nets along its boundaries that are anchored to the seafloor.
Whale Sanctuary Project is a not-for-profit dedicated to ending the exploitation of whales and dolphins in part by creating seaside sanctuaries. Over 3000 whales and dolphins live in captivity under inhumane conditions that are harmful to their social bonding, intelligence and physical health. Since the 2019 passage of Bill S-203, the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act, which I was proud to sponsor in the House of Commons, public opinion has turned even further against keeping whales and dolphins in captivity.
To move forward, the Whale Sanctuary Project is required to enter into leases with both Transportation Canada and the Department of Natural and Renewable Resources. I want to share my full support for the Government of Nova Scotia backing this crucially important project. This would be a brilliant conservation achievement for the Nova Scotia government to host the first sanctuary in the world for the recovery of whales that are suffering in captivity.
Nova Scotia has an opportunity to be a global leader in the humane treatment of whales and dolphins. Establishing a sea sanctuary at Port Hilford will ensure captive cetaceans living under inappropriate conditions can be retired in a humane enclosure.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth May, O.C.
Member of Parliament
Saanich–Gulf Islands
Leader of the Green Party of Canada