A private member’s bill that would ban the importation of shark fins to Canada is being presented again by Coquitlam British Columbia MP Fin Donnelly. Private member’s bills are rarely adopted but advocates for the legislation are encouraged by the fact that an attempt in 2013 failed passing second reading by just five votes. Donnelly is an advocate for oceans.
To be considered for status as a government bill, Bill C-251 requires 500 signatures from Canadian citizens. The petition is found at https://petitions.parl.gc.ca/en/Petition/Details…It is open for signature until June 10, 2017, at 7:55 a.m. (EDT)
Advocates are trying to protect the shark population, which is being decimated by human actions such as slaughtering them for their fins, over fishing and poaching. The sharks of the ocean play a critical role for the well-being of humans on dry land. Sharks don’t get sick as often as other species. They have antibacterial qualities and now scientists are studying a possible function they could serve in developing medicine to fight viruses and cystic fibrosis.
Thank you, Brad Hazledine.
