An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act
An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (the Jane Goodall Act). Tabled in the Senate in March 2023; passed the Senate in 2024 and was at committee in the Commons at dissolution. Bans the captivity of all great apes (chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, orangutans), all elephants, and a defined list of designated species in zoos and aquariums other than accredited facilities. Builds on the 2019 Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act (Cetacean ban). Named for Jane Goodall, who endorsed the legislation publicly. Original sponsor was Senator Marty Klyne; the bill drew unusually broad public support including from professional zoo associations.
Status
Quick learn
Bans owning, breeding, or trading big cats and great apes. Lions, tigers, chimpanzees. Outside accredited zoos. Closes the loophole that the 2019 Free Willy law left for land animals.
Issues this bill touches
- Climate & Environment
Bans the captivity of great apes and elephants except in accredited facilities. Builds on the 2019 ban on whale and dolphin captivity.
Legislative history
- First reading
First reading in the Senate.
View source - Second reading
Second reading in the Senate.
View source - Third reading
Third reading in the Senate.
View source - Introduced
Tabled in the originating chamber by the sponsor.
View source - In committee
Reviewed clause by clause by a standing committee; amendments possible.
View source
Official source
Read full text on Parliament of Canada