A Column by Garry Breitkreuz, MP

Over the last few weeks in Ottawa, the House of Commons has been a buzz with debate on the final amendments to Bill C-5, the Species at Risk Act and Bill C-15B, the Cruelty to Animal amendments to the Criminal Code.  As you know, these bills pose a serious threat to our agricultural community.  The most disturbing aspect of these bills, however, is the lobbying effort put forward by several organizations.

A few weeks ago, our office received a letter that was sent out by the Animal Alliance of Canada, based in Toronto, asking its supporters to donate more money to their cause.  I would like to quote you a part of their letter:

“Because of a committment made by Minister of Justice, Anne McLellan, in the House of Commons to pass C-15B, Environmental Voters campaigned for her re-election.  Under attack by hunters, and gun owners, and a cabal of extremist right wing groups, Ms. McLellan was in a losing campaign.  Environmental Voters stepped in and championed her election.  We ran the better campaign.  Ms. McLellan won by 700 votes.  Good to her word, Ms. McLellan introduced the breakthrough animal protection legislation.  Not surprising, it was viciously opposed by the fur trade, researchers, hunters, agri-business – all who profit or take pleasure in the harming of animals.  Their tactics?  Fear-mongering, lies, and the vilification of people like you who have compassion for animals.”

After reading those words, I was very concerned about its impact on farmers and alarmed at the power it gives lawyers in the “green” industry to harass those who practice legitimate pursuits – ranchers, farmers, hunter, fishermen, and trappers.

 I would like to set the record straight about this subject.  As you know, I have been opposed to Bill C-15B as it currently stands.  We have asked the government to put in an amendment providing protection to traditional animal husbandry practices.  I don’t want to see honest hardworking cattlemen put in jail because they continue farming practices that have been used for years.  If this bill is passed as it currently stands, anyone involved in the raising of animals will become a target.

My biggest worry with this law is how it will be interpreted in the courts.  In another letter we obtained from the Animal Alliance of Canada Director, Liz White, she says:

“My worry is that people think this is the means to the end, but this is just the beginning.  It doesn’t matter what the legislation says if no one uses it, no one takes it to court, if nobody tests it.  The onus is on the humane societies and other groups on the front lines to push this legislation to the limit, to test the parameters of this law and have the courage and the conviction to lay charges.  That’s what this is all about.  Make no mistake about it.”

This is clearly a case of a hidden agenda and intent to use this legislation as a tool to restrict the use of animals in research and agriculture.

Lobby groups have hi-jacked the legislative agenda here in Ottawa.  They have manipulated bureaucrats and ministers to steer the legislative process in their own direction.  This is done with little or no thought on how their agenda will affect agriculture.  The Canadian Alliance has countered these groups by providing clear, concise amendments to vague, poorly drafted legislation.  Our job is to be the voice of reason, and provide a means by which the government can listen to the views of ordinary Canadians.  The fight to counter lobby groups who want to hurt agriculture is ongoing.  I fight it everyday here in Ottawa, but I can’t do it alone.  If you feel strongly about an issue or a piece of legislation that you know will affect you and your livelihood, please call the Minister in charge, or write a letter.   A copy of your comments sent to my office would be appreciated.  The only way we can effectively counter wealthy lobby groups is if we all let our government know that they must listen to us, Canadian voters, instead of an internationally funded lobby group.  We cannot sit back and allow those with a hidden agenda to ruin our way of life.

We all care about the environment, endangered species, and are strongly opposed to cruelty to animals.  These bills will only fatten the pockets of those in the legal profession.  They will cost us incredible amounts of money through taxes and legal fees.  These funds could be much better spent directly on the defence of the environment and enforcement of laws already in the books.  Passing this is just a way for the Liberals to ensure that they will have campaign workers in the next election.

All of us who care about animals and the environment should be concerned because these laws will have the opposite effect.  Because of a lack of property rights in our Charter of Rights and Freedoms, landowners will shoot, shovel and shut-up.  Money that could be spent ensuring the humane use of animals will be used instead in court challenges.

The way this Liberal government is ramming through legislation without allowing common sense amendments is a violation of the fundamental principles of democracy.