Impact of Bill C355 on Alberta (Canadian) Farmers

RESOLUTION E2-24: SUPPORT FOR THE EXPORT OF LIVE HORSES FOR SLAUGHTER

Resolution E2-24 requests that the Government of Alberta jointly lobby the Government of Canada alongside Alberta’s Agricultural Service Boards and the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) to prevent these Bills from receiving royal assent.

In June 2023, Singer-Songwriter Jann Arden and Senator Pierre Dalphond introduced the Horse Protec on Act to the Senate proposing to ban the export of live horses for slaughter overseas. The ban will come into effect the day the bill is adopted. In February 2022 the Canadian Food Inspec on Agency suspended its Safe Food for Canadians License for Bouvry Exports in Fort MacLeod Alberta. This facility processed several types of meat including horse, beef, elk and bison and was an avenue for producers to get their product to market. When Bouvry’s door closed, producers had to find other ways to get their product to market. Shipping live horses oversees was one way of accomplishing that.

Canada has seen an increase in the number of animals sent overseas in 2023. There are approximately 12,000 to 13,000 draft mares, studs and foals (mainly draft type) that are raised for this market with an approximate value of $6,00 to $8,000 per mare, $5,000 to $7,000 per stud and $2,000 to $3,000 per foal. Losing this, many animals either to the wild and becoming feral or euthanize on will have an impact on other businesses such as farriers, truckers, vets and hay producers.

The Federal Government is looking to quash an already established market while meeting with other nations around the world to open new markets and trade agreements.

As of today Bill S355 is in its second reading in the Senate having already passed the third reading in the House of Commons.

Katie Berghofer, Counsellor for Strathcona County took the resolution to FCM, and looped RMA President Paul McLauchlin and Past President of FCM Taneen Rudyk into the process.

The Province has been keeping an eye on the Bill.

“Federal Bill S-270, Horse Protection Act (now inactive), and Bill C-355, the Prohibition of the Export of Horses by Air for Slaughter Act, are designed to ban the export of live horses for slaughter.

These concerns fall under regulatory requirements for the live export of animals, which are already addressed under the federal Health of Animals Act and Regulations. This federal act and its regulations are enforced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Veterinary inspectors employed by the CFIA are present for each air shipment to certify the export adheres to federal requirements, that horses are fit to travel and that the process is carried out humanely. 

The live horse export industry averages $11 million annually in Alberta. Since early 2022, The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (AGI) has been in contact with federal counterparts to outline the economic and animal welfare implications of banning live horse export. AGI is actively monitoring the bills’ progress and working to ensure the federal government understands the impacts of any policy change to Alberta.

Existing Regulations and Standards Already in Place

“The federal government regulates the transport of animals under the Health of Animals Regulations. Part XII: Transport of Animals (enclosed) contains prescriptive and outcome-based requirements to ensure humane treatment during transport.

Requirements under the regulations apply to all aspects of the transport continuum and related confinement from the farm of origin to final unloading, as well as the provision of feed, water and rest at the destination. Examples of requirements include training of personnel, selection of appropriate animals and ensuring animals are fit to make the journey, humane handling, container and space requirements, temperature and ventilation requirements, contingency planning and the maximum duration for animals to be without feed, water and rest.

Enforcement of the regulations is overseen by inspectors with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Inspectors are physically present when horses arrive at the airport and monitor compliance throughout the process of loading the animals into crates and loading crates onto the aircraft. Inspectors verify that horses are fit to travel and are transported humanely.

There is a strong international demand for the healthy and high-quality animals raised on Canadian farms. This demand exists not only for cattle and pigs, but also for other species, including horses. Canadian producers and transporters routinely export many species of livestock, as well as companion animals, and take great care to ensure these valuable animals reach their destinations safely.” Province of Alberta Policy staff.

ASBPC Response

The ASBPC has written and will continue to write to Senators and MPs regarding this Bill in line with Resolution E2-24, and encourages any ASBs that are also concerned to do the same. Copy of the letter and the resolution linked below.