OTTAWA – While the Liberals have been promising to overhaul animal protection provisions in the Criminal Code ever since they defeated Bill C-246, the cross-partisan Animal Protection Act, the Justice Minister’s proposed legislation misses the mark. Though Bill C-84 includes important changes cracking down on bestiality and animal fighting for sport, it fails to include basic standards of care and housing, as well as restrictions on tethering for domestic animals.

OTTAWA – New Democrats are disturbed by comments made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chrystia Freeland, suggesting honouring the Saudi arms deal is more important than upholding international law. These comments were made during a radio interview after the Minister was asked about the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and the role of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, a country dealing with large-scale famine.

OTTAWA – Today, NDP Housing Critic Sheri Benson (Saskatoon West) raised major concerns surrounding new regulations announced by the Liberal government on asbestos. While the Liberals pledged to ban the deadly substance, their announcement today represents a watered down version of what was originally proposed and allows many exemptions.