Hon. Marty Klyne: Senator Gold, Bill S-241, the Jane Goodall act, proposes the world’s strongest legal protections for captive wild animals. This includes banning unlicensed ownership of big cats and phasing out elephants in Canada. The bill also supports action on wildlife trafficking, including elephant ivory and rhino horn.

As well, with 15 speeches and over four hours of debate spanning 13 months, Bill S-241 is the most debated bill at second reading in the Senate in the 44th Parliament and we await a critic’s speech.

I note that Bill S-241 would fulfill two government election commitments reflected in Minister Guilbeault’s mandate letter, namely, to protect captive wild animals and to curb wildlife trafficking, including elephant ivory and rhino horn.

With Dr. Goodall coming to Canada this month, can you confirm the government would like to see Bill S-241 moved to committee as soon as possible? Otherwise, will the government introduce their own version of the Jane Goodall act to save the bill?

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you for your question.

In order to halt the growing global decline of biodiversity, legislation that improves animal protections is crucial. I have been advised that the minister looks forward to hearing the debates around this bill and how it fits within the government’s mandate commitments to protect animals both at home and abroad.