Canada clears Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act

The Canadian Senate has passed the Cruelty Free Cosmetics Act after receiving the final endorsement of Bill S-214.

Humane Society International (HSI), Animal Alliance and LUSH Cosmetics contributed to the bill through the #BeCrueltyFree Canada campaign.

The bill outlines a ban of animal testing for cosmetics and the sale of cosmetics tested on animals. Now it has been passed by the Senate, it will be moved to the House of Commons.

The Senate has amended the bill with a phase-in period to offer time for the industry to comply with the legislation.

Senator Carolyn Stewart Olsen 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.”

A total of 37 countries have already taken action to ban animal testing for cosmetics. HSI runs active programmes for wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammal preservation, farm animal welfare and animals in research.

Established in 1990, Animal Alliance of Canada contributes to animal and environmental protection through its local, national and international educational and legislative advocacy initiatives.