TranslatePolitics.ca

Recent debates

8 latest topics

06-18 Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act 57 statements 06-18 Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act 19 statements 06-18 Arab Heritage Month Act 5 statements 06-18 The Economy 15 statements 06-18 Government Priorities 2 statements 06-18 Government Priorities 2 statements 06-18 Housing 12 statements 06-18 The Environment 2 statements

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

2026-05-25 Sitting 121 Showing 1–1 of 1

In routine proceedings, an MP presented a petition asking to change animal rights laws to recognize animals as sentient beings rather than just property. This was the only substantive topic discussed.

Official Hansard ↗

Elizabeth May

Green 3:45 p.m.

“I'm asking the government to recognize animals as sentient beings in Canadian law instead of just treating them as property.”

Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, the second petition comes from constituents concerned with the status of animals in this country. Under law, they are seen only as property, without recognizing that they are sentient beings, living beings, with the ability to feel pain, fear, comfort and other experiences. The petitioners cite the support of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association in saying that animal sentience should be formally recognized in Canadian law. The e-petition, which was signed by many Canadians, asks that the Government of Canada take this consideration. We have tried before in this House to have legislation to cease treating animals as property. The petitioners hope that we will take this up again and consider legislation to recognize the nature of animals as sentient beings.

View on ourcommons.ca ↗

What they said. What they meant.

Recent debates