We are thrilled to share some exciting news that was announced during the Pets Canada Industry Shows – our commitment to two crucial advocacy issues that will shape the future of our industry and the lives of our beloved pets; Removing GST from Pet Food Products and the inclusion of pets in the National Adaption Strategy (emergency evacuations and pets)
As an organization, we will be focusing our federal efforts on addressing these two priorities. Including our first official Parliament Hill Day on October 17th, where we will be meeting with elected officials to address these issues.
Removing GST from Pet Food Products
As the cost of living continues to increase, the tax presents a financial barrier to pet parents leading to the inability to keep what is now considered a member of the family. This places a burden on the already strained veterinary system as well as on animal shelters which often receive surrendered pets due to the cost of caring. In most provinces, pet-related services were considered essential during the pandemic and as such, pet food should also be afforded the same label.
Pets Canada urges the federal government to remove the tax on pet food and treat it as the essential good it is. Removing the tax on pet food will aid in reducing the cost of pet care and thus be accessible, increasing the health and happiness of pets and their owners, and reducing the burden on the Canadian healthcare system.
Including Pets in the National Adaptation Strategy
Natural disasters like floods, wildfires, and major storms are becoming more prevalent with climate change, requiring us to adapt and implement measures to make our communities more resilient.
Communities are bearing the financial and logistical burden of saving their pets in times of crisis. Limited resources are put towards human safety, forcing their owners to choose between their pets or an exorbitant cost to save them.
The National Adaptation Strategy aims to make communities safe, secure, and more resilient in this time of change by managing the risks to our health, well-being, and livelihoods. Pets Canada urges the federal government to protect pets by including them in the Strategy with funding for their emergency evacuation.
Pets Canada is running a digital campaign encouraging pet lovers to send a support email via our website to their Members of Parliament to advocate for these crucial changes. Sharing our social posts and poster with the https://petscanada.org/advocacy/ link with your clients will lend weight to the campaign. We encourage each and every one of you to stand with us on these advocacy initiatives. Your support is invaluable in making a difference. Stay tuned for updates on our progress, ways to get involved, and opportunities to contribute your voice to these important causes.
