Overview

• Marineland warned in an Oct. 3 letter it will euthanize its 30 belugas or declare bankruptcy if Ottawa does not fund care or approve a transfer by Oct. 7.
• Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson called the funding request inappropriate and said Ontario shares responsibility for the whales’ welfare.
• Thompson reaffirmed her refusal to approve export to China under a 2019 law barring entertainment use, noting domestic placements that avoid exploitation would not need federal permits.
• Ontario Premier Doug Ford pledged to do whatever it takes to secure care for the animals, with the province able to seize them under animal welfare law.
• The Niagara Falls park is winding down operations after 20 whale deaths since 2019, and viable sanctuary placements remain scarce.