North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney has put forward a petition to the Federal Government concerning her private members bill to establish a framework on animal-assisted services for Veterans.
Blaney, the NDP critic for Veterans Affairs, is asking Canadians to sign, and share, the petition calling upon the Minister of Veterans Affairs to adopt Bill C-417.
Blaney says that for over 15 years, Veterans have been asking for service animals to be fully incorporated into Veterans Affairs Canada’s mental health and other rehabilitation programs. She says Veterans and their families deserve the help they need, and “I will continue to do what I can and push for their voices to be heard.”
The petition notes that in some cases, removing barriers such as accessing or paying for Animal-Assisted Human Services is a matter of life and death.
Currently the published National Standard of Canada concerning the development and management system for animal-assisted human services is voluntary and needs to be enshrined in legislation to become mandatory.
Blaney’s bill would ensure the standard is mandatory.
Bill-417 was introduced in November.
The petition states that its adoption would “promote collaboration and harmonization with the provinces and territories, facilitate awareness, and improve access to Animal-Assisted Human Services across Canada.”
The petition was open for signature last week.
It closes on February 2, 2025, at 4:02 p.m. (EDT).
To sign, visit House of Commons Bill C-417.
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