Senators recently voted unanimously in favor of S-214, the Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act at the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology first introduced by Senator Carolyn Stewart Olsen in December of 2015. Though there are still a few hurdles to overcome for it to become law, this is a step in the right direction for animal protection.
The bill would ban the use of lab animals for cosmetic testing in Canada, it would establish that no evidence derived from animal testing may be used to determine the safety of a cosmetic product, and it would amend the Food and Drugs Act to ban the sale of cosmetics developed or manufactured through the use of animal testing.
Currently, legislation allows for animal testing in which animals can be force-fed test chemicals, have their fur shaved so test substances can be applied to their skin, and have chemical substances dripped into their eyes, according to Barbara Cartwright, Canadian Federation of Humane Societies CEO.
“Cosmetic testing on animals is an outdated, needless practice with no place in a modern and progressive society. It is for that reason that 37 countries – including the world’s largest cosmetics markets – have taken action to ban or restrict their trade in cosmetics tested on animals,” according to Troy Seidle, Humane Society International’s (HSI) senior director of research and toxicology.
To date, 37 countries have banned animal testing or restricted their trade in cosmetics tested on animals. Senator Olsen stands by this and believes it is time for Canada to join forces.
Within the Canadian community, there seems to be strong support as well. The Animal Alliance and the HSI found that 81 percent of Canadians are in support of a national ban on cosmetic animal testing.
“We are calling on the Canadian Senate to pass S-214 and for the House of Commons to move quickly to adopt this lifesaving legislation,” Seidle said.
If Bill S-214 receives a vote of support in the Senate, it moves on to the House of Commons.
Gratified by the unanimous support at committee, Stewart Olsen said she is ready to “see what happens at third reading.”
