MP Alex Atamanenko (Photo supplied)
MP Alex Atamanenko has waited years for his chance to bring forward a bill that would restrict the slaughter of horses in Canada, but now that effort appears likely to fail.
The federal Member of Parliament for B.C. Southern Interior watched last week as fellow NDP Agriculture Critic Malcolm Allen told MPs he would not be supporting Atamaneko’s bill.
MPs typically have just one chance in each parliament to introduce a private member’s bill or motion for two hours of debate and a vote.
Earlier versions of Atamanenko’s bill date back to the previous parliament, before the 2011 election.
Bill C-571 would prohibit most horses from being sent to slaughter for meat, but it makes an exception for horses raised primarily for human consumption and accompanied by a complete lifetime medical history.
Atamanenko argues that drugs used, especially for horses involved in racing, make horsemeat unsafe for human consumption. Phenylbutazone, an anti-inflammatory drug, renders the meat unsafe if ever given to a horse during its lifetime, Atamanenko argues.
Although most private members’ bills are considered free votes, many MPs follow the direction of their parties’ spokespeople on the issue – parliamentary secretaries for government members and caucus critics for opposition members.
Conservative Pierre Lemieux, parliamentary secretary to the minister of agriculture, also spoke against Atamanenko’s bill.
“Horse slaughter is a legitimate business activity in Canada,” Lemieux argued. “The industry is important to the economy.”
The second hour of debate is scheduled for May 8 and will be followed by a vote.
“I’m not too optimistic,” said Atamanenko. “I’m going to be talking to some MPs on the Conservative side. I think they’re getting letters of support for my bill from their constituents.”
NDP critic Allen said the bill would effectively end the horse slaughter.
“I find myself in a strange position, as the critic for agriculture on this side, having to disagree with my good friend from British Columbia Southern Interior,” Allen told the House. “I will not be able to support the bill at second reading.”
Only Liberal health critic Hedy Fry joined Atamanenko in expressing support for his bill, saying the Liberal Party supports the bill.
“They’ve seen that [the bill is a food safety issue] and they’re on board,” said Atamanenko.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
