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Canada is one step closer to becoming a cruelty-free cosmetics market after proposed legislation banning cosmetic animal testing cleared the Senate.
The Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act (Bill S-214) would prohibit both domestic animal testing for cosmetics as well as the sale of cosmetics that have undergone any form of new animal testing after the ban comes into effect.
The bill, which was amended in the Senate to include a phase-in period to allow industry time to comply with the legislation, will now move to the House of Commons.
‘A thing of the past’
Sen. Carolyn Stewart Olsen, the bill’s Senate sponsor, said: “I’m pleased that the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act, which I introduced in 2015 in collaboration with Humane Society International and Animal Alliance of Canada, has been endorsed by my colleagues in the Senate.
“It is my sincerest hope that Members of Parliament will act swiftly to make cosmetic animal testing a thing of the past.
“The time has come for the Canadian Government to step forward and take action to prohibit cosmetic animal testing and bring Canada into the 21st century.”
#BeCrueltyFree
The bill is being supported by the #BeCrueltyFree Canada campaign led by Humane Society International [HSI], Animal Alliance and LUSH Cosmetic.
HSI’s Vice President of Research & Toxicology Troy Seidle, said: “We are grateful to Senator Stewart Olsen for her leadership in achieving today’s important milestone for animal welfare in Canada.
“Already 37 countries – including the world’s largest beauty markets – have taken action to ban cruel cosmetics, and it’s high time Canada did the same.”
Right decision
LUSH spokesperson, Tricia Stevens, said: “As a leading cruelty-free company, LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics has supported this bill with enthusiasm and we thank the Senate for making the right decision. Once passed, the Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act will set Canada apart as a leader and will allow the cosmetics industry to thrive and provide consumers with the products they want.”
Liz White, Animal Alliance of Canada Director, added: “We urge Members of Parliament to listen to their constituents, the overwhelming majority of whom support federal legislative action to bring an end to the cruelty of cosmetic testing in Canada.
“We look forward to working with all parties to see this bill become law. No animal should ever again be made to suffer for the sake of human vanity.”
