June 2, 2022

Everything You Need to Know About the Jane Goodall Act

Currently working its way through the Senate to (hopefully!) be passed as law, the Jane Goodall Act is a landmark piece of Canadian legislation that would create some of the strongest protections for animals in captivity in the world.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Originally introduced by Senator Murray Sinclair in 2020, the proposed bill contains new legal protections for captive big cats, bears, wolves, seals, sea lions, walruses, certain monkeys, and dangerous reptiles, such as crocodiles and giant pythons. The bill would also phase out elephant captivity in Canada.
The Bill was reintroduced to the Senate in March of 2022 by Senator Marty Klyne.

The Act will:

Ban new captivity at roadside zoos for big cats, bears, wolves, seals, sea lions, walruses, certain monkeys, and dangerous reptiles.
Phase out elephant captivity in Canada.
Require permits for individuals and organizations to acquire or breed big cats and other species.
Provide limited legal standing for affected species, and encourage orca Kiska’s relocation to a whale sanctuary in Nova Scotia.
Support action on the illegal wildlife trade including elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn bans.
Create a new designation for Jane Goodall Act ‘animal care organizations,’ including zoos, aquariums and sanctuaries.

The Act has been drafted (and continues to be shaped) in consultation with experts from all over the country.

Six leading Canadian animal advocacy organizations have supported the bill: the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada, Humane Canada, Animal Justice, World Animal Protection Canada, Humane Society International/Canada, and Zoocheck Canada. These organizations have also contributed their expertise to the bill, including around the relocation of animals from unsuitable conditions to sanctuaries.
The Toronto Zoo, the Calgary Zoo, the Granby Zoo, Assiniboine Park Zoo and the Montreal Biodome have announced their support for the Jane Goodall Act, and contributed expert advice on the new protections for big cats and other species.

Since being reintroduced to the Senate, the Bill has seen support from:

Coastal First Nations
Senator Patricia Bovey
Senator Julie Miville-Dechêne
Senator Peter Harder
Environment Minister Guilbeault tweeted his support for the Act

How can you help?

Talk about the Jane Goodall Act! Share it on social media, tell your friends and family, and make some noise. We want to show a steady stream of public support for the Act, and you can play a big part in that. Download our social packs and learn more here.

If you have any further questions, get in touch at info@janegoodall.ca.