Good afternoon,
Thank you for copying me on your excellent letter about Bill C-275. I truly agree. This bill is redundant in its current form, and it infringes on current provincial legislation. It would act to penalize protesters, rather than protect the animals themselves.
Current animal welfare in animal agriculture is highly insufficient. Animals are treated poorly, and depending on the animal, can go days without food, water or rest during travel. This bill seeks to quell the efforts of protesters who are against this maltreatment.
To advance biosecurity on farms, which is what the bill says is its intention, the animals should be kept in clean, safe conditions. Instead, too many animals are packed into spaces with not enough room, the spaces are not cleaned properly, and the animals are not genetically diverse. Having a species too genetically similar means that all animals or plants of that type are susceptible to the same diseases, which means that the diseases spread faster, and the species is less immune.
By improving conditions for animals in farms, such as giving them adequate, clean space, nutritious food, water, rest and exercise, the animals would be far healthier. Humane treatment should not be an option, it should be mandatory.
The right to peaceful assembly under section 2(c) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms must be upheld. Peaceful assembly allows protesters to share their messages and advocate for their beliefs. I will closely watch bill C-275 as it progresses to ensure these factors are taken into account.
Thank you again for writing. I will continue to advocate for human and animal rights. It is an honour to serve as Member of Parliament.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth May, O.C.
Member of Parliament
Saanich-Gulf Islands
Leader of the Green Party of Canada
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