Our Canadian story so far...
Cruelty Free International has been leading the global campaign dedicated to ending the use of animals to test cosmetics throughout the world. Our highly experienced and passionate team has made real progress around the globe for the countless animals suffering in cruel tests for cosmetics through our positive and innovative campaigns. Our efforts in Canada reflect our persistent and strategic approach in moving this issue forward.
The Canadian Government through Health Canada works to ensure product safety for Canadians, and we have consistently argued that this goal is entirely compatible with ending cosmetics tests on animals. Indeed, modern alternatives are usually cheaper, faster and more human-predictive than antiquated and cruel animal tests. Thousands of Canadians agree, and time and again have added their voice to Cruelty Free International’s call for a Cruelty Free Canada.
Below are the highlights of this journey….so far!
August 2013: Following or success in ending cosmetic testing in the European Union, Cruelty Free International reaches out to the new Canadian Minister of Health to open a dialogue about matching the newly implemented cosmetic testing ban in the European Union.
February 2014: Cruelty Free International and The Body Shop call on the Canadian Government to ban animal testing for cosmetic purposes. We deliver a petition of one million signatures from customers and supporters worldwide to Parliament Hill.
March 2014: With the help of Elizabeth May MP, Leader of the Green Party, we create a new petition to help Canadian citizens take part in the political process and bring their concern about animal testing for cosmetics directly to the floor of the House of Commons.
August 2014: Canadian actor Tricia Helfer of Battlestar Galactica teams up with us to call on Canada to end animal testing for cosmetics. She says: "Animals shouldn't suffer for the sake of beauty. I am proud to join Cruelty Free International in urging Canada to end cosmetics testing on animals.”
June 2015: We welcome the introduction of the first Canada Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act (S-234) by Senator Carolyn Stewart-Olsen to prohibit the use of animals in cosmetics testing and the sale of cosmetics involving new animal testing.
December 2015: We applaud the re-introduction and strengthening of the Canada Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act (S-214) by Senator Carolyn Stewart-Olsen. The improved bill includes prohibition on animal testing for cosmetics done inside and outside Canada’s borders.
February 2017: We launch an international campaign calling on the United Nations to end animal testing for cosmetics everywhere and forever.
May 2017: We are joined by The Body Shop in our UN campaign and together we set a goal of collecting 8 million signatures for a global end to animal testing for cosmetics. Petitions are in stores across Canada and around the world.
October 2017: S-214 is accepted by the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology with an amendment that would phase in the bill’s provisions over four years. The bill is returned to await a full Senate vote.
June 2018: Cruelty Free International and The Body Shop Canada host a rally on Parliament Hill joined by MPs from all political parties. We hand in the largest petition delivered to Parliament in over 70 years with over 630,000 Canadian signatures supporting a ban on cosmetic animal testing.
June 2018: Just weeks after our historic rally on Parliament Hill, the Canadian Senate passes S-214 (Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act). We step up our lobbying efforts to get the Bill introduced in the House.
October 2018: We reach our petition goal and bring 8 million global citizens voices to the United Nations to call for a global end to cosmetic animal testing.
November 2018 – January 2019: Cruelty Free International and The Body Shop Canada intensify work with stakeholders and meet with the office of the Minister of Health in support of Bill S-214 (Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act).
The journey is not over, there is more work to be done, but together we’ll get there.
The Canadian public can do more than just cheer from the sidelines - you can play an important role in speeding up the process by contacting your elected officials to let them know that ending cosmetics testing on animals is important to you. Please follow the Cruelty Free International website and social media channels for updates on our campaign.