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ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

During routine proceedings, Elizabeth May of the Green Party presented a petition from constituents asking the government to change how Canadian law treats animals. The petitioners say animals are currently treated only as property, and they want a law recognizing them as living, sentient beings that can feel pain, fear, comfort and other experiences. No other members’ statements on this topic are included in the record.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

1 statement

Elizabeth May

Green

Linked statement

“I am sharing a petition from people who want Canada to change how the law treats animals. Right now, the law treats animals as property. The petitioners want the government to pass a law recognizing that animals are living beings that can feel things like pain and fear.”
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.

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