In conversation with Humane Canada, Senator Yvonne Boyer and Senator Pierre Dalphond discuss the link between family violence and animal abuse, and how a greater understanding of this connection can drive positive change. They will share their perspectives from related work in family law, health policy, gender equality, shelter services, reconciliation, the legal and judicial professions, and legislative review. Subjects for discussion may include Bill C-3 (judicial training for social context, including Senate recommendations on the violence link, enacted in 2021); Bill C-78 (changes to the Divorce Act, including defining family violence to include animal abuse, enacted in 2019); and Bill C-84 (updates to animal cruelty laws, including sexual abuse, enacted in 2019). Senator Boyer and Senator Dalphond may also discuss changing attitudes and policies in relation to animals generally, including the recognition of ‘sentience’ in Quebec; Indigenous leadership to advance animal welfare; and Senate legislation, such as former Senator Murray Sinclair’s Jane Goodall Act. In addition, they may comment on the role of the independent Senate in developing, implementing and influencing policy.

Key Learnings

1. Learn more about recent legislative changes (judicial training, family violence, animal cruelty)
2. Learn more about the link between family violence and animal abuse, and how a greater understanding of this connection can drive positive change
3. Perspectives from work in family law, health policy, gender equality, shelter services, reconciliation, the legal and judicial professions, and legislative review