Senator MacDonald speaks at Second Reading of Bill S-238, The Ban on Shark Fin Importation Act
On Tuesday in the Senate Chamber, Senator Michael L. MacDonald spoke at Second Reading of Bill S-238, the Ban on Shark Fin Importation Act, which he introduced in April.
Senator MacDonald was deeply honoured to have in attendance for his speech Brian and Sandra Stewart, the parents of Rob Stewart, the late Canadian filmmaker, conservationist and director of the international award-winning films Sharkwater and Revolution.
In his speech, Senator MacDonald said, “I want his family to know that his work has created enormous public awareness about this unnecessary and unacceptable slaughter and that I am determined that his life work will not be in vain…All Canadians who believe in the preservation of wildlife salute the dedication, patience, intelligence and professionalism of Rob Stewart.”
He continued, “By prohibiting the importation of shark fins, this bill would ensure that Canada is taking a leading role internationally by not supporting this destructive practice.”
“I believe it is irresponsible and unacceptable for Canada to prohibit the practice of shark finning, while allowing the importation of shark fins that, in all likelihood, are sourced from shark finning”, Senator MacDonald concluded.