Ontario Green Party leader speaks out against Marineland
Posted Sep 15, 2015 12:00:36 AM.
Last Updated Sep 14, 2015 03:24:19 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Ontario Green Party Leader is calling for immediate action to ban the use of whales and dolphins for entertainment purposes.
Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner spoke out last week during a visit to Niagara Falls about the issue.
“The Green Party, both federally and provincially, are opposed to whales and dolphins being held in captivity. The scientific community has told us this is just wrong and it’s cruel, but just as important, this is a jobs issue for Niagara Falls,” said Schreiner. “The tourism industry here is important and public opinion has changed about parks like Marineland.”
Schreiner said a ban needs to take place not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s about maintaining the good reputation of Niagara Falls, the province of Ontario, and protecting and enhancing our tourism industry.
“If you go to Niagara Falls for the opening day when Marineland opens up for the season, you see the thousands of people who are standing up and saying that we need to treat animals with dignity and respect and not be cruel,” said Schreiner.
He said Marineland could still operate as a business and maintain profitability, but that they first need to transition away from being the kind of business that’s about holding animals in captivity.
The Green Party of Canada supported Bill S-230, the Ending the Captivity of Whales and Dolphins Act, and say they will support similar legislation in the next parliament. The bill would amend Canada’s animal cruelty laws to specifically prohibit whales and dolphins in captivity, while allowing for the rescue and rehabilitation of injured individuals.
