The federal and Ontario governments are calling on each other to assist 30 belugas housed at Marineland, where the park has threatened to euthanize the whales if emergency funds are not provided by Ottawa.
Premier Doug Ford urged the federal government to reconsider its stance after rejecting permits for the defunct Niagara Falls amusement park to transfer the belugas to an aquarium in China. This denial was based on the law passed in 2019, prohibiting marine mammals from future performances in captivity, as reiterated by federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson.
Facing financial strain, Marineland sought emergency cash from the federal government to sustain the belugas, emphasizing that euthanasia would be the only option without assistance. The park also requested help from Thompson in finding a suitable new home for the whales, citing Chimelong Ocean Kingdom as the sole viable alternative.
Following Ottawa’s dismissal of the funding request as inappropriate, Marineland announced collaboration with the province to seek a resolution. Despite no immediate response from provincial officials, Ford emphasized that relocating the whales fell under federal jurisdiction.
Since 2019, Marineland has reported the deaths of 20 marine animals, with 30 belugas currently residing at the park. The park remains closed to the public since the end of the 2024 summer season, selling off rides in an effort to offset financial challenges as it remains unsold due to the presence of animals on-site.
In response to Marineland’s plea for emergency funds, Thompson affirmed that Ottawa would not provide financial aid, urging the park to devise an alternative plan swiftly. While acknowledging Ontario’s role in animal welfare, Thompson emphasized the need for Marineland to present new proposals without resorting to continued captivity and public entertainment for the whales.
Amid growing concerns from animal rights activists, organizations like World Animal Protection Canada have urged government intervention to prevent the euthanization of the belugas. Erin Ryan, a wildlife campaign manager, criticized Marineland’s approach, calling for ethical considerations and expert consultations to determine the best course of action for the animals.
Calls for collaboration between Ottawa, Ontario, and the Nova Scotia government to establish a whale sanctuary on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore have been made, although progress on this initiative appears stalled. Another proposal suggests invoking the PAWS Act for Ontario to take custody of the belugas, holding Marineland financially accountable for the animals’ care under all legal avenues.
