Animal Rights Archives | Elizabeth May

Bill C-414 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (cruelty to animals)

Justin Reist — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:35:21 +0000

Essentially, this bill would amend the Criminal Code by expanding the scope of animal cruelty offences and recognize that animals are sentient beings.

Seconded by Elizabeth May on September 20, 2012

Click here for the full document.

The post Bill C-414 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (cruelty to animals) appeared first on Elizabeth May.

Greens Happy about Roundup Review

Craig Cantin — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:59:05 +0000

The Green Party of Canada is applauding a federal court ruling ordering Health Canada to undertake a formal safety review of the impact of the herbicide Roundup, with a focus on amphibians. “On behalf of frogs everywhere, we thank Justice Kelen for this decision. Of course, the side benefit to humans will be immense as well. Glyphosate is linked to birth defects and various kinds of cancer and we may be unaware of the full risks of the mixture chemicals that constitute Roundup,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May, MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands.

Justice Michael A. Kelen invoked the precautionary principle in his decision, saying “Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent adverse health impact or environmental degradation.”

Scientists have been cautioning that glyphosate mixed with the various so-called inert chemicals that make up Roundup may have toxic effects, not all of which are understood. Roundup is used extensively in agriculture across Canada.

“Congratulations go to the West Coast Environmental Law Group and Josette Wier for their perseverance in this case,” said May. “It’s a shame that private citizens have to go to court to get Health Canada to step up and protect public health but in this case, I am glad they took the initiative.”

The post Greens Happy about Roundup Review appeared first on Elizabeth May.

Green Party supports Calgary Stampede, urges end to calf roping

Justin Reist — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:19:57 +0000

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May will attend the Calgary Stampede again this year, showing her support for an iconic Canadian event. However, the Green Party is also supporting a call from Canadian Humane Societies to improve animal welfare by ending the calf-roping event. The Green Party would also look at ending other rodeo events that involve injury, baiting and/or causing stress and fear for the animals involved.

“The Stampede is a celebration of Alberta, of the early pioneer days and of a current way of life. It’s about being close to the land and respecting the land. That’s why I look forward to participating every year,” said Ms. May. “As with many traditions, however, impacts must be examined. More steps can be taken to protect animals, and ending calf-roping would be a positive step to keep the Stampede in touch with the times and respect public concern for compassionate treatment of animals.”

The Green Party of Canada does not support a call from the UK Green Party for Prince William and Princess Kate to boycott the Calgary Stampede. “We welcome the Royal couple. This is a great opportunity for them to be part of a truly Canadian experience. We hope that public pressure is respectful of the event itself, while pressing for needed change,” said Ms. May.

Elizabeth May will take part in Stampede events this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. She will not attend any events that have been identified for concerns about animal welfare.

The post Green Party supports Calgary Stampede, urges end to calf roping appeared first on Elizabeth May.

Bill C-232 An Act to amend the Criminal Code

Justin Reist — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:41:49 +0000

Essentially, this bill would better protect animals from intentional cruelty. It would take the provision about animal cruelty out of the property section of the Criminal Code and would increase the likelihood of conviction for animal cruelty.

Seconded by Elizabeth May February 1, 2012

Click here for the full document

The post Bill C-232 An Act to amend the Criminal Code appeared first on Elizabeth May.