The Hon. the Speaker having informed the Senate that there were senators without waiting to be introduced:

The following honourable senators were introduced; presented His Majesty’s writ of summons; took the solemn affirmation, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate; and were seated:

Hon. Marnie McBean, of Toronto, Ontario, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Chantal Petitclerc.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I have the honour to inform the Senate that the Clerk of the Senate has received certificates from the Registrar General of Canada showing that the following persons, respectively, have been summoned to the Senate:

Marnie McBean

Paulette Senior

Toni Varone

Mary Robinson

Mohammad Khair Al Zaibak

On the Order:

Resuming debate on the motion of the Honourable Senator Klyne, seconded by the Honourable Senator Harder, P.C., for the second reading of Bill S-15, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act.

Hon. Senators: Agreed.

(Motion agreed to.)

(At 8:57 p.m., the Senate was continued until tomorrow at 2 p.m.)

Appendix—Senators List

Hon. Paulette Senior, of Pickering, Ontario, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Rosemary Moodie.

The following honourable senators were introduced; presented His Majesty’s writ of summons; took the oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate; and were seated:

Hon. Toni Varone, of Toronto, Ontario, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Tony Loffreda.

Hon. Mohammad Al Zaibak, of Toronto, Ontario, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Peter M. Boehm.

Hon. Mary Robinson, of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Robert Black.

The following honourable senator was introduced; presented His Majesty’s writ of summons; took the solemn affirmation, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate; and was seated:

Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, let me begin by wishing everyone a happy new year and soon-to-be Lunar New Year. As we welcome our new colleagues in this first sitting of Parliament of 2024, let us refocus on the work ahead, in the best interest of our nation, the prosperity of the regions and the well-being of future generations.

On behalf of the opposition and the Senate Conservative caucus, I am pleased to rise in this chamber to welcome our new colleagues.

The Honourable Mohammad Al Zaibak of Ontario is a Syrian-born Arab-Canadian entrepreneur, an advocate for social development and diversity and co-founder of Lifeline Syria, which helps Syrian refugees resettle in Canada.

According to his biographical note on the Prime Minister’s website:

Throughout his career, Mr. Al Zaibak has worked tirelessly to strengthen Canada’s economic, social, and cultural ties with the global community, in particular with Arab countries.

The Honourable Marnie McBean of Ontario is a motivational speaker, published author and one of the most decorated Olympians in Canadian history. She was inducted to the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 1994 and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. She is also an Officer of the Order of Canada and was recognized for her outstanding international achievements with a Thomas Keller Medal by World Rowing in 2002.

The Honourable Mary Robinson of Prince Edward Island is a globally recognized leader in the agricultural sector and her community. She is also the Vice-President of the World Farmers’ Organisation. As a proud Atlantic Canadian and a managing partner of the Robinson Group of Companies — a sixth-generation farm and agribusiness in Prince Edward Island — she will certainly serve her province and Canada well with her wealth of experience and expertise.

The Honourable Paulette Senior of Ontario is the President and CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation, and an advocate for empowering women and girls from diverse backgrounds. As a Jamaican-born Canadian who immigrated to Canada as a young girl, her personal experiences ignited her interest in social justice, and has made her the dynamic, grounded leader and now the Canadian senator that she is today.

Finally, the Honourable Toni Varone of Ontario is a prominent businessman and philanthropist dedicated to building safe and affordable housing. He has received many awards and honours for his outstanding charitable work and dedication to the development of the social and cultural life of many communities, including the Italian-Canadian community in the Toronto region.

Honourable colleagues, I am pleased to extend you a warm welcome to the Senate of Canada. We all look forward to getting to know you as we collectively ensure due diligence is done within the debates and work ahead of us. The Conservatives look forward to working in collaboration with you on ways to improve the lives of Canadians by working and fighting for their best interests.

On behalf of the opposition and the Conservative caucus, welcome to the Senate of Canada — your new family away from home.

[Translation]

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, on behalf of the Government Representative Office, I am pleased to welcome five new colleagues to the Senate of Canada: senators Marnie McBean, Paulette Senior, Toni Varone, Mary Robinson and Mohammad Al Zaibak. I look forward to working with all of you.

We all remember Senator McBean’s triumphs rowing for Canada in 1992 and 1996. She is one of only two Canadians to be a triple gold medallist at the summer games. She was Team Canada’s chef de mission for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, leading Team Canada to one of its best Olympic results ever. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario and Right to Play Canada. She remains committed to many social-justice-related causes, including the Special Olympics Canada Champions Network.

Senator McBean was awarded the Thomas Keller Medal by World Rowing and was inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. She received the Bonham Centre Award for increasing awareness of sexual diversity, as well as the Bruce Kidd Leadership Award for her leadership and contributions to Canadian athletics.

Senator Paulette Senior has devoted her life and her career to women’s issues. She is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Women’s Foundation and was previously the Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Canada.

Her work has included promoting gender equity, addressing gender-based violence, reducing women’s poverty, shrinking the wage gap and promoting the empowerment of women and girls across this country. Senator Senior has worked with all levels of government and civil society to address issues of poverty, housing, immigration and social justice.

She has managed and operated Toronto-based shelters, employment programs and housing programs and sat on the Board of Directors of the Women’s College Hospital and on the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council. In 2022, she was appointed to serve as a member of the Independent Advisory Board for Supreme Court of Canada Judicial Appointments.

Senator Toni Varone is a businessman and philanthropist who has been recognized for his work in building affordable housing and his commitment to the social and cultural life of the Italian-Canadian community.

As President of the Varone Group, he oversees companies specializing in hospitality, construction, land development and property management services. Senator Varone has also been involved in community and government initiatives, including the creation of safe and affordable shelters for those in need. He is a board member of the Villa Charities foundation and is President of The Italy Earthquake Relief Fund and member of the Peace Through Valour Committee.

Senator Varone is the recipient of the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association Community Achievement Award, the Italian Canadian Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award and the Heart and Hand Award from Villa Charities.

Senator Mary Robinson will represent her home province of Prince Edward Island and will be a strong voice for Atlantic Canada. Senator Robinson brings a wealth of experience to the Senate as a managing partner of the Robinson Group of Companies, a sixth-generation farm and agribusiness in Prince Edward Island. She is also involved in agricultural sector organizations at the provincial, national and international levels.

Senator Robinson was a Board Member and President of the P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture, the first female President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and the first female Chair of the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council.

Senator Al Zaibak is a successful entrepreneur and a generous philanthropist. He is an expert in public-private partnerships and international negotiations, especially in the technology sectors. Senator Al Zaibak has worked to strengthen the economic, social and cultural ties between Canada and the international community, especially between Canada and Arab countries.

He served as Director of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Chair of its International Strategic Advisory Committee and is a former chair of the Canada Arab Business Council. Senator Al Zaibak is a co-founder of Lifeline Syria, a not-for-profit organization that helped the sponsorship and settlement of nearly 1,200 Syrian refugees in Canada.

To our five newest colleagues, your wealth of experience, your accomplishments, your leadership skills, your devotion to this country are very much welcome additions to the Senate. My team, all senators and I look forward to working with you. Congratulations.

The Hon. the Speaker informed the Senate that each of the honourable senators named above had made and subscribed the declaration of qualification required by the Constitution Act, 1867, in the presence of the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed to receive and witness the said declaration.

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Today, we are welcoming five colleagues with impressive resumés.

[English]

Ontario Senator Marnie McBean first distinguished herself through her athletic feats, most notably her participation in the Atlanta and Barcelona Olympic Games. Representing Canada, she won an impressive total of four medals, including three gold medals. Besides that, Senator McBean illustrated herself through her community engagement. Indeed, she has long defended several human rights causes, notably related to sexual and gender identity. Before her deployment with the Olympic teams to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, she stated, “Our team is going to be a safe and open space for self-expression and dialogue.” In the current political context, we know her future senatorial participation will help safeguard the constitutional rights of these minorities’ — and all minorities.

For her part, Ontario Senator Paulette Senior has been committed to combatting the systemic barriers that impede the development of the potential of women, girls and young people. Having administered social programs and numerous front-line community assistance resources, Senator Senior has been significantly impactful on the empowerment of women across the country. This inspiring leadership — both female and Black — is a fundamental asset for fulfilling our institution’s mandate. Senator Senior, I can assure you that the Senate is the right place to, as you have so eloquently put it, demand and lead a lasting change for all — everywhere.

Welcome also to Ontario Senator Toni Varone. Senator Varone has distinguished himself throughout his career as an influential businessman and philanthropist dedicated to the cause of the disadvantaged and vulnerable. Besides that, his commitment has regularly extended beyond Canada’s border, with Senator Varone serving as the President of The Italy Earthquake Relief Fund. Developing and maintaining connections in Canada and internationally is an essential skill for our institution; we deeply value it. I will paraphrase you, Senator Varone, when you were introduced to the charity world: You said that you fell in love with the passion of giving back. I have no doubt that, at the end of your Senate term, you will be able to emulate the heroes who left their mark on you.

Welcome, Senator Mary Robinson, who is representing Prince Edward Island. As a leader who has evolved in a family-owned agriculture business for the last six generations, Senator Robinson possesses extensive knowledge and a wealth of experience related to the challenges and issues impacting Canadian farmers. Senator Robinson will have the opportunity to engage and tackle head-on several problems affecting the Canadian agri-food industries. Her peers have also recognized her career achievements, notably through the Prince Edward Island Women’s Institute outstanding Women in Agriculture Award, and her nomination in Atlantic Business Magazine as a member of the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Atlantic Canada. Her appointment to the Canadian Senate is another milestone in her brilliant career.

Welcome to our newest appointee, Senator Mohammad Al Zaibak, who is representing Ontario. As a successful technological business leader and a remarkable philanthropist, Senator Al Zaibak’s efforts have been highlighted during his career. He made possible the resettlement of nearly 1,000 Syrian refugees in the Greater Toronto Area through his not-for-profit charitable organization, Lifeline Syria. His commitment to the well-being of the population inhabiting his home country is durable, sustainable and deeply human. Due to the results achieved, the Toronto Region Board of Trade awarded him the 2018 Toronto Region Builder Award to highlight his exemplary leadership and commitment to the Toronto region. Senator Al Zaibak, your international business knowledge and acumen will bring great value added to the Senate.

In conclusion, I point out that both Ontario and Prince Edward Island now have full representation. This is something that I wish for all provinces and territories.

On behalf of all members of the Independent Senators Group, I gladly welcome all five of you. Thank you. Meegwetch.

Hon. Scott Tannas: Honourable senators, on behalf of my colleagues in the Canadian Senators Group, I wish to welcome Senator McBean, Senator Senior, Senator Varone, Senator Robinson and Senator Al Zaibak to the Senate.

Honourable senators, with these appointments, we are getting closer and closer to a full Senate. According to my calculations, we have eight more vacancies for this chamber to be at its limit. As Senator Saint-Germain just expressed, I am hopeful that the Prime Minister will soon fulfill his constitutional duties by filling the empty seats, and providing to all regions its full slate of representatives.

By welcoming these five new senators — all eminent Canadians — the Senate continues to transform itself from the traditional partisan vestiges to a chamber of more independent reflection. Our new senators come with very different backgrounds. Senator Al Zaibak comes to the Senate from the international and technological business community, and he is also a broader community leader and builder. Senator Robinson comes from the agricultural sector and is a strong advocate for the industry and for P.E.I., which comes to the great relief of our lonely farmer, Senator Black, who welcomes another voice for agriculture.

Senator McBean is a highly decorated Olympian and champion of social justice causes. Senator Senior is a recognized leader in the charitable sector, and a trailblazer for women and girls. Senator Varone is a businessman and philanthropist, and he is involved in lifelong civic engagement.

Seeing these individuals from very different backgrounds who have chosen to come forward and serve is a positive sign that this institution matters.

Our former colleague P.E.I. Senator Diane Griffin made this point back in 2017 during a speech: She said it is important to ensure that the selection board “. . . considers under-represented occupations as part of its appointment process . . . .” I think that we are now seeing the fruits of that labour. I know that she will be excited to see a farmer from P.E.I. join us here. I mention her because I suspect she is probably watching on television right now.

With this diversity in background comes a diversity of views and opinions, and, senators, this is a very good thing. Our role is to represent our regions on national issues. At times, we all agree, but most of the time, we do not. Again, this is a good thing.

Diversity of opinions, coupled with a sense of respect for opposing views, is a strength, not a weakness, and it is the hallmark of the work of the Senate.

I encourage each of the new senators to participate fully in our debates and bring your diverse views forward. Please do not hold back. Your views and perspectives are welcome here. In fact, they are needed here in the Senate as we do our work on behalf of Canadians.

Senators McBean, Senior, Varone, Robinson, and Al Zaibak, welcome to the Senate of Canada. My Canadian Senators Group, or CSG, colleagues and I look forward to working with you.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

Hon. Jane Cordy: Honourable senators, it is such a pleasure to be back with you. I’m coming from Nova Scotia, which, for the past four days, has been the land of snow, wind and delayed and cancelled flights, so I’m really happy to be here. I just arrived a very short while ago, after fully expecting to be here more than 24 hours ago.

I am very pleased, on behalf of the Progressive Senate Group, to join the other leaders in offering some welcoming remarks to our newest senators.

Before we adjourned in December, we bid farewell to some of our senators whose retirements became official, so it seems fitting that while we ended our year with some heavy-hearted goodbyes, we will be starting this year by adding some new faces and voices to our chamber.

We have already heard about the impressive and varied backgrounds of our five newest senators, who have already taken their seats. I won’t repeat their incredible accomplishments.

Representing the province of Ontario, we have Senator Marnie McBean, Olympian and champion; Senator Paulette Senior, thought leader and trailblazer; Senator Toni Varone, businessman and philanthropist; Senator Mohammad Al Zaibak, entrepreneur and community leader; and, filling the last vacant seat from Prince Edward Island, we welcome Senator Mary Robinson, a businesswoman and strong agricultural advocate.

Though I share the enthusiasm of my colleagues in welcoming five new senators at once, it’s a shame that it doesn’t allow quite as much time to devote to each of you and the incredible careers you have all had to date. The various experiences that you bring will not only help to shape your work in the Senate but also bring new issues to our attention.

An important part of our work here is to advocate on behalf of our regions and under-represented groups whose concerns may not always be raised in the other place. Senator McBean, Senator Senior, Senator Varone, Senator Al Zaibak and Senator Robinson, we are so glad to have you with us as champions for each of your communities. Having heard a bit about your backgrounds this afternoon, we may already feel we have a sense of who each of you are and what issues you may choose to highlight in the Senate, but it’s important to remember that we are all much more than what can be summed up easily.

Some of you may end up pursuing issues that you or we would not have guessed, and I hope that happens. We are all more than meets the eye, and that is true of this institution as well. The Senate is known as the chamber of sober second thought, but it can be so much more. I don’t know what inspired each of you to apply to join our upper chamber, but I hope that you are all able to keep an open mind as you find your places here in the Senate of Canada.

It may not always be what you expect, but you are each now one of Parliament’s agents of change. We are so glad to have you with us, and we will do our best to help you navigate this transition.

So, Senator McBean, Senator Senior, Senator Varone, Senator Al Zaibak and Senator Robinson, on behalf of the Progressive Senate Group, it is my pleasure to officially welcome you to the Senate of Canada. We look forward to working with each of you.

Some Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, when shall this bill be read the second time?

(On motion of Senator Gold, bill placed on the Orders of the Day for second reading two days hence.)

[English]

On Government Business, Motions, Order No. 131, by the Honourable Patti LaBoucane-Benson:

That, for the purposes of its consideration of Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms), the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs have the power to meet, even though the Senate may then be sitting or adjourned, and that rules 12-18(1) and 12-18(2) be suspended in relation thereto.

The Hon. the Speaker informed the Senate that a message had been received from the House of Commons with Bill C-290, An Act to amend the Public Servants Disclosure Protection Act and to make a consequential amendment to the Conflict of Interest Act.

(Bill read first time.)

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I’m pleased to rise today to speak to Bill S-15, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and lnterprovincial Trade Act, which the government introduced in this chamber on November 21, 2023.

Bill S-15 is a continuation of the crucial work the Senate has done to protect animals. It builds on Senator Boyer’s work to prevent animal abuse, Senator MacDonald’s ban on shark fin imports, former Senator Stewart Olsen’s work on animal testing for cosmetics and former Senator Moore’s work on whale and dolphin captivity.

Our former colleague, Senator Murray Sinclair, proposed legislation similar to Bill S-15 during his tenure. This was later taken up by our colleague Senator Klyne, whom I’m very pleased is serving as the Senate sponsor for this bill. In his sponsor’s speech, Senator Sinclair stated:

In many Indigenous cultures, we use the phrase, “all my relations” to express the interdependency and interconnectedness of all life forms and our relationship of mutual reliance and shared destiny. When we treat animals well, we act with both self-respect and mutual respect.

When asked why we need this bill, his response was simple: “ . . . we owe it to the animals.”

[Translation]

Wild animals in captivity remain a growing concern for Canadians and for many people around the world. This bill will help us have this important conversation and uphold the Minister of Environment and Climate Change’s commitment to introduce and implement legislation to protect animals in captivity.

[English]

Bill S-15 amends two existing federal statutes, the Criminal Code and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act, or WAPPRIITA, to prohibit the captivity of elephants and great apes except in limited circumstances.

Colleagues, Bill S-15 takes a narrower approach than Bill S-241, which was introduced in this chamber in March 2022, by focusing solely on phasing out the captivity of elephants and great apes in Canada.

Provinces and territories have primary responsibility for protecting animal welfare, and the federal government recognizes the significant role that many provinces play in regulating animals in captivity. It has been well-documented, however, that differences exist across jurisdictions, and that these differences may result in gaps in the protection of wild animals in captivity in Canada. That is why the Government of Canada has committed to engaging with provinces, territories and stakeholders to discuss the potential value of a national approach to protecting animal welfare and public safety in relation to captive wildlife and to build on existing federal and provincial roles and best practices.

Bringing together partners and stakeholders to advance discussions on issues like roadside zoos or dangerous wild animals being kept by private individuals will lead to improved outcomes for captive wildlife. The scope and focus of the national engagement will be determined following initial consultations with the provinces and territories.

Bill S-15 is another step in the right direction for protecting animals in captivity while continuing to respect federal and provincial jurisdiction. As I’ve implied, it builds on measures already in place at the federal level that can apply to these animals.

Let me address some of those.

The Criminal Code currently includes provisions and contains several offences related to animals in captivity, including an offence against willfully causing unnecessary pain, injury or suffering to animals. These provisions apply to all animals, including those kept as pets by private individuals or in zoos and similar facilities.

The Criminal Code also prohibits the ownership, custody or control of whales and other cetaceans kept in captivity, with limited exceptions, such as for the rehabilitation of a cetacean in distress. The code prohibits a variety of activities associated with the use of these animals in performances for entertainment purposes unless provincially licensed. It also prohibits the breeding or impregnating of cetaceans as well as possessing or seeking to obtain their reproductive material subject to limited exceptions, for example, unless it is done in accordance with a provincial or federal permit. Some members of this chamber would recognize these provisions as they were introduced in the Senate under Bill S-203, the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act, which received Royal Assent in 2019.

As a complement to the code provisions relating to cetaceans, the Fisheries Act also prohibits fishing for a cetacean with the intent to take it into captivity, with limited exceptions; for example, when the cetacean is injured, in distress or in need of care. It also prohibits the import or export of living cetaceans or their reproductive material without a federal permit.

Another example of federal legislation that has an impact on certain animals in captivity is the Health of Animals Act and its regulations. This legislation is intended to protect the health of Canadian animals and people. It includes measures for the prevention and control of diseases, and sets out conditions for importing and exporting animals and the requirements for humane transport of animals to, from and within Canada.

Finally, Environment and Climate Change Canada, with the assistance of other federal departments and agencies, administers WAPPRIITA to regulate trade in plants and animals. Part of the act’s mandate is to implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES. This convention has been adopted by over 183 parties and was ratified by Canada in 1975. CITES regulates the international trade of wild animal and plant species that have been or may become threatened with over-exploitation because of trade. Species are listed under CITES based on the level of protection needed for conservation purposes.

Under WAPPRIITA and CITES, protection is achieved by controlling the trade of specimens of listed plant and animal species — whether alive or dead — and their parts or derived products. Permits could be issued if the species was legally acquired, and the import or export is not detrimental to the survival of the species.

Some requirements under CITES apply specifically to living plants and animals — for example, ensuring the proper care and shipment of the listed specimen. Elephants and great apes are already protected under CITES for conservation purposes.

Bill S-15, for its part, would strengthen the protections afforded to elephants and great apes in federal law.

Now, a combination of factors suggests that elephants and great apes, like cetaceans, should not be kept in captivity because of the cruelty to those animals that it represents. These are intelligent animals. They live long lives. They are large animals with a complex social functioning order and exhibit elaborate parental care.

[Translation]

Elephants and great apes come from warm climates, with specific habitat needs and extensive home ranges. Negative welfare indicators, such as poor health and bad behaviour, have been documented when these animals are kept in captivity. In his speech as sponsor of the bill, Senator Klyne talked about how captivity affects these animals. The details he provided compel us to take action to protect these amazing animals.

[English]

Bill S-15 recognizes that there are certain circumstances, however, where the captivity of elephants and great apes can be justified. Conservation programs run by zoological facilities can make significant contributions to the long-term survival of species in the wild, even when these programs involve the keeping of captive populations.

The Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature recently published a report supporting the role of botanical gardens, aquariums and zoos in species conservation. Likewise, scientific research may be vital to our understanding of these animals and assist us in ensuring their survival in the wild. Finally, in some cases, the captivity may be in the best interests of the elephant’s or great ape’s welfare itself.

The goal of Bill S-15 is to phase out the captivity of these animals for purely private, entertainment or public display purposes over time.

The proposed amendments to the Criminal Code in Bill S-15 would prohibit the possession, breeding, impregnating or failure to take reasonable measures to prevent natural breeding of elephants or great apes in captivity in Canada. These prohibitions would be subject to a limited number of exceptions. These would include existing animals in captivity for veterinary care or when captivity is provincially or federally authorized for a justified purpose. Several activities related to the use of these animals in performance or entertainment purposes, which is framed broadly in the bill, would be prohibited, colleagues, without exception.

The proposed amendments to WAPPRIITA in Bill S-15 would complement the Criminal Code amendments by prohibiting the import and export of living elephants and great apes and would set out the federal authorities needed to allow captivity, breeding, import or export under limited circumstances.

The new permitting authorities in Bill S-15 required for the importation or exportation of a living elephant or great ape would build on top of the existing authorities in the act. A CITES permit will still be required for elephants and great apes to cross the Canadian border. However, if a person wanted to import or export a living elephant or great ape, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change must assess whether the import or export is in connection with a scientific research program, conservation program or in the best interests of the animal’s welfare.

The WAPPRIITA amendments would include the authorities for the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to issue permits related to the Criminal Code prohibitions on possessing and breeding elephants and great apes. These permits could authorize the possession or breeding of elephants or great apes in connection with a scientific research or conservation program and, again, if captivity is in the best interests of the elephant’s or great ape’s welfare.

Allowing for the issuance of federal permits for the keeping of elephants and great apes in captivity would also fill the gap should any province or territory not have a licensing regime. The federal government’s intent is to develop a policy that will elaborate on the criteria and conditions that could apply to each type of permit.

Colleagues, in my humble opinion, we would be hard-pressed to find a reason not to support this bill. Bill S-15 has been carefully crafted to address many concerns that were raised in the context of the debate on Bill S-241 — namely, the question of constitutional jurisdiction — and it was developed following proper consultation with relevant stakeholders in the field.

Colleagues, I would ask that Bill S-15 be referred to committee quickly so that we might hear from the experts who deal with these large animals. The protection of these large animals is timely considering the national engagement on this discussion.

Colleagues, on that, I conclude. Thank you for your kind attention.

(On motion of Senator Martin, debate adjourned.)

[Translation]