Hon. Marty Klyne: Senator Moreau, last December, many Canadians celebrated this Senate’s passage of Bill S-15, a government version of the Jane Goodall Act. With that bill, Canada could have achieved the world’s first legislated phase-out of elephant captivity. The bill would also have ensured that great apes like chimpanzees — our closest relatives — stay out of the hands of roadside zoos and private individuals.

Bill S-15 was supported by the late Dr. Jane Goodall, the late Honourable Murray Sinclair, leading scientists, law professors, Canadian zoos, animal welfare organizations and even the artist Cher.

In the election, the government pledged to reintroduce the bill. Would you please convey to the government that many parliamentarians, including me, along with thousands of Canadians, stand ready to help see this bill cross the finish line?

Hon. Pierre Moreau (Government Representative in the Senate): Thank you, Senator Klyne. I have been told that you were an excellent sponsor for that bill as well. I wasn’t there at that time in the previous Parliament.

I would be happy to raise this issue with the relevant minister and to ensure the government understands those perspectives. I will certainly raise your question with the appropriate departments.

Senator Klyne: Compliments will get you everywhere, and I see we have twin ties.

As a supplementary, one priority of Bill S-15 was to protect mother and daughter elephants from being sold apart, as they normally stay together for life. Sadly, this has been a practice in Canada. To keep elephant families together, will the government please consider an interim regulatory ban on the import and export of elephants under section 21 of the Wild Animal and Plant Protection Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act?

Senator Moreau: Thank you, Senator Klyne, for the tip about the compliment.

I’m not aware of any imminent changes, but I will certainly include this when I speak with the minister. I understood your question, and I will get back to you with the information.