As 2024 wraps up, we’re reflecting on another year of impactful progress for farm animals around the world.
This year, we’ve continued to advocate for the billions of animals who endure unimaginable suffering every day in factory farms.
Creating a food system that’s both humane and sustainable is no small feat, but with determination and collective action, it’s within reach. Every effort we make together moves us closer to a future that’s kinder to animals, better for the planet and healthier for us all.
This year, we’ve achieved significant milestones for animal welfare, environmental sustainability and public health.
Here are a few highlights:
Advocating for actions for animals
This year, we rallied Canadians to make their voices heard through impactful petitions and support for critical legislative measures. Together, we pushed for systemic change in animal welfare, environmental sustainability and pandemic prevention.
- We supported Member of Parliament (MP) Nathaniel Erskine-Smith’s private member’s bill, Bill C-293, The Pandemic Prevention Preparedness Act, to address pandemic risks by targeting key drivers such as factory farming and the wildlife trade. This bill would adopt a One Health approach, ensuring the health of humans, animals and ecosystems is addressed. Due in part to our campaign, this bill has passed the House of Commons and is now before the Senate where it is close to becoming law.
- With the support of MP Laurel Collins, we launched Petition e-5028 urging the Government of Canada to educate Canadians on the benefits of plant-based diets aligned with Canada’s Food Guide, require federally funded food programs to prioritize plant-based procurement and limit factory farming while supporting humane, sustainable farming practices. This petition gathered nearly 5,000 petitions from Canadians and has been presented to the House of Commons, requiring the government to respond.
- We continue to urge Canadians to demand that the Federal government put a moratorium on new factory farms in Canada, while encouraging eating more plants as a powerful way to reduce animal suffering and promote a healthier, more sustainable food system for all.
Photo: ocphoto / Shutterstock
Collaborating with government for systemic change in animal agriculture
In 2024, we deepened our collaboration with government and our partners to advance plant-based solutions that address the impacts of industrial animal agriculture on animals, the environment and public health. This year we:
- Hosted a plant-based parliamentary reception to engage policymakers on sustainable food systems.
- Co-hosted a webinar with the Farm Animal Investment Risk and Return Initiative (FAIRR) for companies and Finance Institutions on the risks of antimicrobial resistance linked to industrial farming.
- Collaborated with the Centre for Greening Government on a webinar for various government departments on the health, animal welfare and environmental benefits of plant-based procurement. The webinar featured guests from other institutions that have implemented a plant-forward, low carbon food procurement policy, including the Vancouver General Hospital and the University of Guelph daycare. The event was well attended and well-received and has led to a request for a second webinar for staff at the food policy division at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Lynn Kavanagh, MP Rob Oliphant, MP Leah Taylor-Roy, MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, MP Ryan Turnbull, Colin Saravanamuttoo, Janice Myers, MP Adam van Koeverden, and Melissa Matlow. (Photo: Christian Diotte, House Photographer)
Driving change through evidence and expertise
This year, our commitment to improving the lives of farmed animals took a bold step forward with the release of two groundbreaking reports:
- “Moving the menu” assessed major restaurant chains in Canada on their efforts to offer plant-based options, encouraging the food industry to embrace more sustainable and humane practices. By highlighting leaders and laggards in plant-based menu innovation, we’re driving the shift toward more compassionate and climate-friendly food choices.
- We partnered with Canada's leading energy and economy modelling agency which regularly advises government on climate policy, Navius Research, on our report, “Policies to Promote Plant-Based Food Production and Consumption in Canada”. This paper outlines the transformative environmental impact of shifting to plant-based food systems in Canada. By demonstrating how plant-based policies can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the report makes a compelling case for urgent government action.
These reports are more than just research – they’re blueprints for change. With your support, we’re working to transform food systems and create a better world for animals, people and the planet.
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With your incredible support in 2024, we were able to achieve lasting change for farmed animals around the world. As we look ahead to 2025, your commitment remains key to advancing animal welfare globally.
Join our community to stay connected and discover new ways you can help protect farmed animals everywhere.