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Uncategorized / January 5, 2026

Thank You for a Powerful Year of Advocacy

As we look ahead to 2026, we’re reflecting on what 2025 looked like for Animal Alliance of Canada.
 
Much of our work happens out of public view: legal research, government meetings, drafting submissions, Freedom of Information and Access to Information requests, scientific reviews, and strategic planning. But these quieter efforts are the foundation of lasting change for animals. And they are possible because of you. 

Here is just some of the work that your support helped us accomplish and where we’re headed next in 2026. 

No Pets in Research: A Historic Opportunity 

Following the Premier’s public announcement that Ontario will ban the use of dogs and cats in research, we shifted our campaign strategy to seize this historic opportunity. 

This year, Animal Alliance: 

  • Convened an expert Advisory Group— including scientists, veterinarians, physicians, ethicists, lawyers, academics, and animal welfare leaders to guide our policy and scientific strategy and to educate policymakers.
  • Met with government officials to advance our evidence-based position. 
  • Drafted detailed submissions to policymakers following government requests for analysis. 
  • Produced a new campaign video to increase public awareness and mobilization. 
  • Launched an expanded communications and media strategy, providing clarity amid confusion of Ontario’s proposed “ban.” 

We continue to call for a full ban on the use of dogs and cats in harmful research, teaching, and testing in Ontario, paired with closing gaps in Ontario’s Animals for Research Act. You can read more and take action here.

Long-Tailed Macaques: Parliamentary Pressure and Outcomes 

Image Credit: Abolición Vivisección

Through our research, we uncovered that a male macaque died during transport to Canada in August 2024. The Animal Protection Party’s release of this information drew media attention, helping to maintain public pressure and to expose the risks and suffering in this unethical trade of an endangered species.  
 
We amplified the the Animal Protection Party of Canada’s federal e-petition (e-6537), sponsored by MP Alexandre Boulerice, which closed on September 26 with 4,764 signatures. The petition called for Canada to suspend imports of endangered long-tailed macaques from Cambodia after the country was caught trafficking wild-caught monkeys into the research industry’s supply chain. 

Thanks to your efforts, we quickly surpassed the threshold for an official presentation in the House of Commons, which then required a formal government response. Ultimately, the government’s response to this e-petition did not sufficiently engage with the urgency of the matter or the serious ethical and environmental concerns surrounding the continued use of an endangered species as disposable “research tools.” Instead, the response largely reaffirmed existing policy, leaving these critical issues unaddressed. 

A new e-petition, sponsored by MP Mel Arnold, has been put forth that sets out clear, concrete actions within the Minister’s authority to end Canada’s role in this trade and protect long-tailed macaques before further harm is done. The petition can be found here.

Ag-Gag / Transparency Laws: Defending the Public’s Right to Know 

Ontario’s ag-gag law (The Security from Trespass and Food Safety Act) threatened transparency by restricting whistleblowing and undercover investigation—tools essential to exposing abuse in farms, slaughterhouses, and during transport. Thankfully, in April 2024 several provisions of the law were struck down by the Superior Court of Justice (SCJ). The government appealed the decision, and arguments were heard in court in June 2025. 

This year, Animal Alliance: 

  • Attended both days of the Ontario Court of Appeal hearing, participating as interveners, represented by legal counsel fighting to uphold the SCJ’s decision. 
  • Continued supporting the constitutional challenge to protect investigators, journalists, and public oversight. 
  • Maintained public pressure through updates and supporter education. 

This work is costly but crucial. Thanks to you, animals—and truth—have a voice in court. 

Manitoba Spring Bear Hunt: Science Meets Advocacy 

Despite devastating wildfires, Manitoba allowed spring bear hunting to continue, hunting which orphans cubs every year.

In response, the Animal Alliance of Canada Fund commissioned a new report by conservation biologist Sadie Parr, using published evidence and FOI records. Findings based on the government’s own information estimate that up to 224 bear cubs may be orphaned with each spring hunt. 

In collaboration with Zoocheck and the Winnipeg Humane Society, Animal Alliance: 

  • Met with the government to present our report and discuss policy options. 
  • Outlined the ethical implications of the hunt and urged action similar to the province’s moose protections. 

This is a complex issue, which makes our evidence-based approach all the more important. 

Building Community & Appreciation 

In June, we hosted our Toronto Supporter Appreciation event—an energizing afternoon reconnecting with longtime supporters and welcoming new allies. 

In August, after presenting at VegOttawa, we hosted a beautiful Ottawa Supporter Appreciation event at a local vegan restaurant, strengthening relationships with community members dedicated to supporting our campaigns. 

Building community is a cornerstone of our work and we’re grateful for every person who joined us. 

Media & Public Engagement 

This year, we strengthened our communications capacity through: 

  • Multiple national and regional press releases, 
  • Breaking news tied to research findings, 
  • Campaign-specific media pushes, and 
  • Social media amplification across multiple platforms. 

These efforts significantly increased reach, understanding, and pressure on key issues. 

Looking Ahead to 2026 

Our “No Pets in Research” campaign will intensify as we advance policy recommendations, build political will, respond to new legislation and regulatory proposals, and mobilize supporters across Ontario.  
 
We will also continue monitoring the ag-gag appeal and supporting legal challenges that defend transparency and free expression. Reinforcing our voice for the animals, through op-eds, interviews, and social content, will remain central to our strategy. 

We cannot thank you enough for your commitment to animals and helping us move the needle for animals. Your continued support through donations, sharing, or educating your elected officials strengthens every campaign. Together, we keep pushing. 

With gratitude, 

The Animal Alliance of Canada Team

Image by Alexa from Pixabay

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