The Issue

Throughout Canada each year, more than 650 million farm animals are transported from farms to auction and slaughter. In recent years, the food processing industry has become more centralized, fueled by public demand for cheaper food, resulting in longer trips for many animals to slaughter.

Canada's current animal transport regulations are decades-old and inadequate by modern standards. Changes have been drafted, but Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food has yet to bring them forward for public comment.

The costs of making improvements to transport conditions for farm animals must be supported by consumers of the food. If we are to demand more ethically produced food, Canadians must be willing to shift their household expenditures towards their grocery bill to provide greater support for our farmers.

How you can help

One. Read more about this urgent issue that affects over 650 million animals in Canada each year.

Two. Join our email appeal - tell your friends and family about this issue.

Three. Sign an action letter to voice your support for the BC SPCA's recommendations.

Or better yet, write a personal letter to Minister Gerry Ritz, asking him to strengthen the regulations. Feel free to use the background information on this site to prepare your letter, but ensure you express your concern in your own words. No postage is required to send letters to the Federal Government.

Hon. Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Fax: 613-995-7080

Email: Ritz.G@parl.gc.ca

Please send copies to your MP and to the Federal agriculture critics:

Hon. Wayne Easter, Liberal Agriculture Critic
318 Justice Building, House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Fax: 613-995-7408

Email: eastew@parl.gc.ca

Mr. Alex Atamanenko, NDP Agriculture Critic  
House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Fax: 613-943-0922

Email: AtamaA@parl.gc.ca

Mr. André Bellavance, Bloc Québécois Agriculture Critic
House of Commons, Ottawa, ON K1A OA6
Fax: 613-995-2026

Email: BellaA@parl.gc.ca
*preferred language is French