Bill S-238 explained in plain English
An Act to amend the Fisheries Act and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (importation and exportation of shark fins)
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. MP vote breakdowns appear when the House of Commons publishes a recorded division export for that bill. Senate and House stage details include official debate/sitting links when LEGISinfo publishes them.
Our plain-language take, written for civic education.
Source: By PoliticalData.ca
Bill S-238 prohibits the practice of shark finning in Canadian waters and bans the importation and exportation of shark fins that are not attached to a complete shark carcass, with limited exceptions for scientific research.
Bill S-238, called the Ban on Shark Fin Importation and Exportation Act, makes two main changes to federal law: First, it amends the Fisheries Act to prohibit "shark finning" — the practice of removing fins from live sharks and throwing the rest of the shark back into the ocean while at sea. (Canada had already banned this practice in its own waters in 1994, but this makes it an explicit legal prohibition.) Second, it amends the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act to ban importing shark fins into Canada and exporting shark fins from Canada, unless the fins remain attached to the complete shark carcass. This also covers any products made from shark fins. There is a narrow exception: the Minister responsible can issue a permit allowing the import or export of separated shark fins if the purpose is scientific research on shark conservation conducted by qualified researchers, and if the research will help shark species survive in the wild. The bill reflects concern about declining shark populations worldwide due to the shark fin trade, particularly the demand for shark fin soup in some markets.
- This draft was normalized from a partial local-model response and must be reviewed before publication.
A new prohibition on shark finning is added to federal fisheries law. This makes it illegal for anyone to remove fins from live sharks and throw away the shark body at sea.
Source: Section 2 of Bill S-238
A new ban on importing and exporting shark fins (unless attached to a complete carcass or authorized by permit) is added. The Minister gains authority to issue permits for scientific research purposes only, under specific conditions.
Source: Sections 3 and 4 of Bill S-238
Generated using AI from official bill text. Not legal advice. It is written by PoliticalData.ca for civic education, automatically checked and spot-reviewed before publishing.
Official textParliamentary Process
Bill S-238, concerning shark fin imports and exports, completed its First Reading in the Senate on April 11, 2017, and has since moved through various legislative stages in both chambers.
This artifact details the initial stage of Bill S-238 in the Senate, specifically its First Reading on April 11, 2017. It outlines the bill's title, which concerns the importation and exportation of shark fins by amending existing legislation. The artifact also lists subsequent procedural steps the bill underwent in both the Senate and the House of Commons, including readings, committee studies, and report stage, up to its current status at report stage in the House of Commons.
On April 11, 2017, the Senate held a sitting where Bill S-238 concerning shark fin imports was introduced, alongside debates on committee reports, procedural matters, and other legislation, including significant discussions on labour law amendments and citizenship.
On April 11, 2017, the Senate convened for a sitting that included various procedural matters and debates. A key event was the introduction of Bill S-238, An Act to amend the Fisheries Act and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (importation and exportation of shark fins), marking its first reading in the Senate. The sitting also featured discussions and presentations on other matters, including reports from Senate committees on human rights, social affairs, banking, national security, national finance, and energy, environment, and natural resources. The Senate also addressed procedural motions regarding committee sittings and the cancellation of a Committee of the Whole meeting. Question Period included discussions with the Minister of Finance on various economic topics. Several bills were debated at various stages, including amendments to the Canada Labour Code and the Citizenship Act.
Bill S-238, concerning the importation and exportation of shark fins, completed its second reading in the Senate on May 16, 2017, and has since moved through various stages to reach the report stage in the House of Commons.
This artifact details the process for Bill S-238 in the Senate. It shows that the bill completed its second reading stage on May 16, 2017. The summary also lists dates when major speeches were made and when the bill was considered in committee. It notes that the bill later moved to the House of Commons, where it is currently at the report stage. The provided text indicates that the bill concerns the importation and exportation of shark fins and aims to amend the Fisheries Act and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act.
During this Senate sitting, the second reading debate on Bill S-238 (Ban on Shark Fin Importation) was suspended after a detailed presentation, alongside other legislative business and a Question Period with the Minister of International Trade.
This Senate sitting on May 16, 2017, included routine proceedings, the tabling of various reports, and debates on several bills. Notably, Bill S-238, concerning the importation of shark fins, had its second reading debate suspended. Other discussions included the Canadian Jewish Heritage Month Bill (Bill S-232), the Criminal Code (criminal interest rate) Bill (Bill S-237), and a report on military underfunding. The sitting also featured Question Period with the Minister of International Trade discussing trade agreements and diversification. The Senate later proceeded to Royal Assent for two bills.
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-238, the sponsor explained the bill's intent to ban the importation of detached shark fins to combat the cruel and ecologically damaging practice of shark finning.
This is a record of the Senate debate during the second reading of Bill S-238. The main focus of the debate was the sponsor's speech, which explained the purpose and details of the bill. The bill aims to prohibit the importation of shark fins into Canada that are not attached to the shark's carcass. The sponsor highlighted the ecological disaster caused by shark finning, emphasizing the high number of sharks killed annually and the cruel practice of finning live sharks. The speech noted that while shark-finning is banned in Canada under licensing conditions, the importation of fins is still permitted. The bill seeks to end this by banning the importation of detached shark fins and codifying the prohibition of shark-finning. The sponsor also paid tribute to the late filmmaker Rob Stewart, whose work significantly raised public awareness about this issue. The debate also touched on historical examples of species extinction due to human activity and the need for Canada to take a leading role in conservation. The debate on Bill S-238 was suspended to allow for Question Period and was later resumed.
On June 13, 2017, the Senate sat to discuss numerous bills and issues, including the ban on shark fin importation (Bill S-238), budget implementation (Bill C-44), and judicial training on sexual assault cases, alongside various other government and committee matters.
The Senate convened for a sitting on June 13, 2017. The session included statements on various topics, routine proceedings, question period, and the consideration of various bills. Notably, the Senate debated Bill S-238, concerning the importation and exportation of shark fins, with a senator highlighting the importance of shark conservation and the challenges in regulating the trade. Other discussions involved budget implementation, foreign investment, national security, and social issues like sexual assault training for judges and the recognition of aboriginal history.
This Senate debate record from June 13, 2017, details discussions on numerous topics including tributes, policy debates, and legislative matters, with only a brief mention of Bill S-238 concerning shark fin imports.
This document is a record of Senate debates on June 13, 2017. While the original bill (Bill S-238) aimed to ban the importation of shark fins, this specific artifact is a record of various Senate discussions on unrelated matters. The debates covered topics such as tributes to individuals, national holidays, legal decisions, government policies on international development and immigration, foreign investment, judicial appointments, trade issues, national defence, the Budget Implementation Bill (Bill C-44), and amendments to various acts including the Citizenship Act, Canadian Human Rights Act, Criminal Code, National Anthem Act, Prohibiting Cluster Munitions Act, and Judges Act. The discussion of Bill S-238 itself was minimal, focusing on the ecological role of sharks and the practice of shark finning. The overall document reflects routine Senate proceedings and debates on a variety of legislative and social issues.
On October 17, 2017, the Senate continued debate on Bill S-238 concerning shark fin importation and engaged in other procedural business, including considering amendments to other bills.
On October 17, 2017, the Senate was engaged in various procedural activities. This included tabling reports, presenting committee findings, authorizing committee meetings, and introducing notices of motions. The Senate also continued debates on several bills, including Bill S-238, an Act to amend the Fisheries Act and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (importation and exportation of shark fins). During this sitting, Senator Diane Griffin spoke in support of Bill S-238, highlighting the ecological impact of shark finning and the need to prohibit the practice in Canada. She thanked Senator MacDonald for introducing the bill and referenced the work of Fin Donnelly, MP, and the late filmmaker Rob Stewart. Question Period also took place, with the Minister of Natural Resources answering questions on various topics including energy infrastructure, rail service to Churchill, Manitoba, and the Energy East Pipeline. The Senate also considered and concurred in amendments made by the House of Commons to Bill S-226 (Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act) and Bill S-231 (protection of journalistic sources).
On November 23, 2017, the Senate debated various topics including children's rights, human rights, and multiple bills, including the Ban on Shark Fin Importation bill (Bill S-238), which was referred to committee after its second reading.
On November 23, 2017, the Senate of Canada met. The sitting included discussions on National Child Day, the Senate Commemorative Medal, Holodomor Memorial Day, and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Routine proceedings involved tabling regulations and notices of motions. Question Period addressed topics such as tax fairness, immigration, conflict of interest, legalization of cannabis, human rights in Tanzania, and broadcasting tax policy. Several bills were discussed, including those concerning corporate law, the Criminal Code, and the Ban on Shark Fin Importation. The Senate also authorized committees to study specific budgetary matters. The debate at the second reading of Bill S-238, "An Act to amend the Fisheries Act and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (importation and exportation of shark fins)," was completed and the bill was referred to committee. The Senate also considered inquiries regarding literacy programs in Atlantic Canada, the Trans Canada Trail, the overrepresentation of Indigenous women in prisons, and the state of political prisoners in Tibet. The sitting concluded with visitors in the gallery and ongoing debates on various inquiries and bills.
The Senate completed its committee stage consideration for Bill S-238 on February 13, 2018, as part of its legislative journey.
This artifact details the procedural history of Bill S-238 in the Senate. It shows that the Senate completed its committee stage consideration of the bill on February 13, 2018. The artifact also lists the dates the bill went through various stages in both the Senate and the House of Commons, including first and second readings, committee work, report stage, and third reading.
On February 13, 2018, the Senate presented amended committee reports, debated various bills including cannabis legalization and corporate governance, heard senators' statements on diverse topics, and addressed a question of privilege.
On February 13, 2018, the Senate convened and engaged in various procedural activities, including the presentation of committee reports with amendments. Notably, the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans presented its Ninth Report concerning Bill S-238, An Act to amend the Fisheries Act and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (importation and exportation of shark fins), along with proposed amendments. The Senate also heard statements from senators on various topics, including tributes to athletes, a discussion on peremptory challenges in the justice system, and a question of privilege raised by Senator McPhedran. The sitting also included debates on other bills, such as Bill C-45 (cannabis legalization) and Bill C-25 (corporate governance), and proceeded through routine proceedings and question period.
This record shows the procedural steps and dates for Bill S-238 from its first reading through to its completed Senate Report stage and subsequent movement to the House of Commons.
This artifact details the progression of Bill S-238 through the Senate. It notes that the Senate Report stage was completed on February 15, 2018. The record also lists the dates of various stages the bill went through in both the Senate and the House of Commons, including first and second readings, committee considerations, and report stages, up to its current status of being at report stage in the House of Commons. It also provides links to major speeches given during the bill's passage.
On February 15, 2018, the Senate conducted routine proceedings, including the adoption of the report on Bill S-238 concerning shark fin imports and exports, and engaged in Question Period and debate on other legislative matters.
On February 15, 2018, the Senate met and conducted various procedural business. This included presenting committee reports, authorizing committees to study specific matters, and debating and adopting motions. Notably, the Senate considered and adopted the report on Bill S-238, an Act to amend the Fisheries Act and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act regarding the importation and exportation of shark fins. This sitting also included Question Period, where senators asked questions of the Government Representative on various topics, and continued debates on several bills, including Bill C-45 concerning cannabis and Bill C-51 related to the Criminal Code and the Department of Justice Act.
Bill S-238 completed third reading in the Senate on October 23, 2018, and subsequently moved to the House of Commons.
This artifact documents the completion of the Senate's third reading stage for Bill S-238 on October 23, 2018. The bill, concerning the importation and exportation of shark fins, then moved to the House of Commons.
On March 27, 2018, the Senate debated Bill S-238 at third reading, which aims to ban the importation and exportation of shark fins, and addressed other legislative and inquiry matters.
The Senate sat on March 27, 2018. During this sitting, senators engaged in third reading debate on Bill S-238, an act to ban the importation and exportation of shark fins. While the debate for Bill S-238 was adjourned, the Senate proceeded with other business, including debates on other bills, motions, and inquiries. The sitting included statements by senators on various topics and a period for oral questions to the Minister of Natural Resources.
During a Senate sitting on May 24, 2018, the third reading debate on Bill S-238, an act to amend the Fisheries Act and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act concerning shark fins, included arguments against the bill's effectiveness in protecting sharks.
This Senate sitting on May 24, 2018, included debates on various topics, including Bill S-238 concerning the importation and exportation of shark fins. During the third reading debate for Bill S-238, Senator Victor Oh expressed concerns about the bill's effectiveness in saving sharks, arguing that focusing solely on shark fins ignores other significant threats and markets for shark products. He stated that he would vote against the bill, citing research suggesting that bans on shark fins may not significantly reduce overall shark mortality and could even lead to increased fishing pressure for other shark products. The sitting also featured discussions on other bills, committee reports, and various Senate inquiries and statements.
On October 18, 2018, the Senate debated various bills, including Bill S-238 concerning shark fin importation, and addressed other routine parliamentary matters.
On October 18, 2018, the Senate conducted its business, including statements from senators on various topics such as victims of crime, Persons Day, and military anniversaries. Routine proceedings involved tabling reports and authorizing committee meetings. Question Period addressed topics like tax fairness, the Champlain Bridge, Chinese investment, cybersecurity, cannabis regulations, and the judicial selection process. The Senate then moved to Orders of the Day, discussing various bills. Notably, Bill S-238, concerning the importation of shark fins, was debated at third reading and the debate was continued. Other bills discussed included those related to the Canada Labour Code, the Fisheries Act, and the Customs Act. Several committee meetings were also authorized.
The Senate sat for the third reading of Bill S-238, but the provided sitting record details other legislative business and debates rather than the specific proceedings for Bill S-238.
The Senate convened for the third reading of Bill S-238, an Act to amend the Fisheries Act and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act concerning the importation and exportation of shark fins. The provided text is a record of the Senate sitting on October 23, 2018, which included various procedural matters, debates on other bills, and question period. However, the official source text provided does not contain the specific debate or procedural steps related to the third reading of Bill S-238 itself. It lists "Ban on Shark Fin Importation Bill - Bill to Amend—Third Reading" as an item of business, but no further details or debate on this specific bill are included in the provided artifact.
Bill S-238, concerning the importation and exportation of shark fins, underwent its first reading in the House of Commons on February 19, 2019, with its procedural history through various legislative stages also outlined.
This artifact describes the first reading of Bill S-238 in the House of Commons on February 19, 2019. This is an early procedural step where a bill is formally introduced. The provided text also details the bill's progress through various stages in both the House of Commons and the Senate, including committee reviews, readings, and report stages, up to its current status at the report stage in the House of Commons. It also lists the dates of major speeches given during the bill's second reading in both chambers.
Bill S-238, concerning the importation and exportation of shark fins, was introduced and passed its first reading in the House of Commons.
This record details the first reading of Bill S-238, an Act to amend the Fisheries Act and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (importation and exportation of shark fins), in the House of Commons on February 19, 2019. The bill was introduced by Fin Donnelly (NDP) and passed its first reading.
On May 1, 2019, the House of Commons agreed to the second reading of Bill S-238 after major speeches were delivered, and the bill was referred to committee.
This record shows the procedural steps taken for Bill S-238 in the House of Commons, specifically during its second reading stage. It indicates that on May 1, 2019, the House of Commons proceeded with the second reading of the bill. The artifact notes that "Major speeches" were delivered on this date, and the second reading was subsequently "Agreed to", leading to the bill's referral to committee. It also lists prior and subsequent procedural actions for the bill, including its progress through various stages in both the House of Commons and the Senate, and a subsequent second reading in the House of Commons on April 1, 2019.
On April 1, 2019, the House of Commons debated the budget, allegations surrounding SNC-Lavalin, and Bill S-238 concerning shark fin trade, alongside other matters.
This document is a record of a House of Commons sitting on April 1, 2019. The sitting included debates on various topics, including the budget, labour code amendments, Indigenous affairs, and international trade. A significant portion of the debate focused on allegations of political interference in the prosecution of SNC-Lavalin, with the opposition questioning the government's handling of the matter. The sitting also included discussions on Bill S-238, an act to ban the importation and exportation of shark fins, which was at the second reading stage. Several members spoke in favour of the bill, highlighting the cruelty of shark finning and the need for Canada to take a leadership role in shark conservation, while also acknowledging potential trade law complexities. The debate also touched upon the government's budget, carbon tax, and the treatment of veterans. The document also records procedural matters such as points of order and privilege raised by members.
During the second reading debate of Bill S-238, Members of Parliament discussed the proposed ban on shark fin importation and exportation, its ecological implications, and potential trade law conflicts.
This artifact details a debate at the second reading stage of Bill S-238 in the House of Commons. The debate primarily focuses on the bill's intent to ban the importation and exportation of shark fins. Various Members of Parliament expressed their views on the practice of shark finning, its impact on shark populations and ocean ecosystems, and the effectiveness of proposed legislation. Some concerns were raised about the bill's potential conflict with international trade law.
This House of Commons debate at the second reading stage of Bill C-420 discussed the French language in federally regulated workplaces, preventive withdrawal for pregnant workers, and anti-scab legislation, with differing views expressed by Bloc Québécois, NDP, Conservative, and Liberal members.
This artifact is a record of a debate in the House of Commons on April 1, 2019. The debate was part of the second reading stage for Bill C-420, concerning amendments to the Canada Labour Code, the Official Languages Act, and the Canada Business Corporations Act. The discussion focused on several key issues: the application of Quebec's Charter of the French Language to federally regulated businesses, the right for pregnant women to preventive withdrawal from hazardous work, and the use of replacement workers during strikes (anti-scab legislation). Members from the Bloc Québécois and the NDP expressed support for stronger protections for the French language in the workplace and for workers' rights, including anti-scab measures and preventive withdrawal for pregnant workers. They criticized the government's approach, suggesting it does not go far enough to protect linguistic minority rights or workers. Members from the Conservative Party opposed the anti-scab provisions, citing economic impacts, but showed support for aspects related to preventive withdrawal for pregnant workers. The Liberal government, through its parliamentary secretary, outlined concerns about the bill, particularly regarding the replacement worker provisions and their impact on existing labour relations frameworks, and also noted the government's existing efforts in areas like maternity assistance programs and language rights. The debate also included procedural discussions and statements by members on various other topics unrelated to Bill C-420.
This House of Commons sitting on May 1, 2019, included statements, oral questions, routine proceedings, a debate on an opposition motion regarding the canola crisis, votes on private members' bills, and a debate and referral of Bill S-238 concerning shark fins to committee.
This document is a record of a sitting of the House of Commons on May 1, 2019. It details the proceedings, including "Statements by Members" on various topics, "Oral Questions" where Members questioned the Prime Minister on government priorities and other issues, "Routine Proceedings" which include tabling of reports and petitions, and "Government Orders" which involved a debate on an opposition motion regarding international trade and the canola crisis with China. Finally, it records the proceedings for "Private Members' Business," including votes on several bills, and the "Adjournment Proceedings" where Members debated specific issues. The artifact specifically notes that Bill S-238, "An Act to amend the Fisheries Act and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (importation and exportation of shark fins)," was debated and referred to a committee.
During the second reading debate in the House of Commons, Members of Parliament discussed Bill S-238, which proposes to ban the importation and exportation of shark fins, with the motion to refer the bill to committee ultimately being agreed to.
This artifact details a debate in the House of Commons during the second reading of Bill S-238. The bill aims to amend the Fisheries Act and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act to ban the importation and exportation of shark fins. The debate includes statements from various members of Parliament discussing the importance of sharks for marine ecosystems, the cruelty of shark finning, and the legal and ethical considerations of banning shark fin products in Canada. The debate also touches upon the current status of Bill S-238, noting its passage in the Senate and its referral to a House of Commons committee for further study. The provided text shows the motion to refer the bill to committee was agreed to.
This record shows Bill S-238 completed its committee consideration stage in the House of Commons on June 6, 2019, as part of its overall progression through Parliament.
This artifact details the procedural history of Bill S-238 in the House of Commons. It shows that the bill completed its 'Consideration in committee' stage on June 6, 2019. The artifact lists various dates for different stages of the bill's progression, including First Reading, Second Reading, Committee work, Report Stage, and Third Reading. It also notes some speeches given during the Second Reading process. The bill is currently at the report stage in the House of Commons.
The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans reported Bill S-238 back to the House of Commons without amendments.
On June 6, 2019, the House of Commons, during the consideration of committee stage for Bill S-238, received the report from the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans. The committee reported the bill back to the House without amendments. This means the bill advanced to the next stage of the legislative process without any changes made by the committee.
Bill S-238 is currently at the report stage in the House of Commons, with its latest procedural activity being the presentation of a committee report on June 6, 2019.
This artifact describes the procedural progress of Bill S-238 in the House of Commons. It indicates that the bill is currently at the report stage. The latest recorded activity was the presentation of a committee report on Thursday, June 6, 2019. The document also lists historical procedural steps for the bill, including first and second readings, committee consideration, and third readings, spanning from April 2017 to October 2018, and then a subsequent process starting in February 2019. The specific stage of 'House of Commons Report stage' is noted as having 'No activity' at the time of this record.
This record details the procedural history of Bill S-238 regarding shark fin importation and exportation, noting that it has not yet reached the Third Reading stage in the House of Commons.
This artifact describes the parliamentary process for Bill S-238, concerning the importation and exportation of shark fins. It indicates that the bill has not yet reached the Third Reading stage in the House of Commons. The record outlines the bill's progression through various stages, including First Reading, Second Reading, committee considerations, and Report Stage, with specific dates for each. It also notes that a committee report was presented on Thursday, June 6, 2019. The artifact specifies that this is not the full text of the bill but a record of its procedural journey.
Debate and sitting links point to official parliamentary sources when LEGISinfo publishes them. Any plain-language discussion summaries should be generated from those official texts and reviewed before public display.
Vote Summary
This bill is still active. We only show vote counts after the legislature publishes a recorded division.
No published representative vote breakdown
This bill is still moving through the process. When a recorded division is published, representative positions can be listed here.
Official sources
Status, sponsor, votes, and timeline on this page are drawn from these official legislative sources and public records. Each summary above is attributed to its own source.
How this data is sourced