“No time to waste”: MPP Gates urges Premier to act on Marineland

NIAGARA FALLS – Responding to Premier Ford’s recent comments, MPP Wayne Gates (Niagara Falls) is calling for immediate action from Premier Ford and the province to intervene to ensure the remaining whales at Marineland are safely moved to appropriate sanctuaries, and that the park is repurposed without animals to protect jobs in Niagara. 

“There’s no time to waste”, said Gates. “This has gone on for far too long. The province has a responsibility here to work collaboratively with the federal government, animal welfare advocates, and Marineland to put together a comprehensive plan to protect the remaining whales at the park. The whales must be moved to a safe and appropriate sanctuary as soon as possible.” 

Marineland has applied to the federal government for export permits for the remaining whales. Nineteen belugas have died since 2019. While the province has conducted investigations, the results of them have not been made public. 

“Once the welfare and well-being of the whales is guaranteed, the province must ensure it works to guarantee the park can be repurposed – without any animals – so that we can protect the existing jobs here in Niagara. We have an opportunity here to do the right thing for these animals and for these workers. We can’t afford any more delays or passing the buck. We must act urgently.”