Another beluga dies at Marineland. Ontario saying little on 4-year probe into park
Global News
Another beluga whale has died at Marineland and four years into a provincial probe, Ontario's solicitor general is saying little about the investigation's progress.
Another beluga whale has died at Marineland and four years into a provincial probe, Ontario’s solicitor general is saying little about the investigation’s progress.
The latest beluga death is the fourth in the past year, provincial records show. Since 2019, 16 belugas and one killer whale have died at the Niagara Falls, Ont., tourist attraction, the only place in the country that still holds whales in captivity. And three out of five belugas that Marineland sold to Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut have died since being moved there in the spring of 2021.
Ontario’s Animal Welfare Services, which is part of the Ministry of the Solicitor General, launched an investigation into Marineland in 2020. The next year, the province declared all marine mammals at Marineland in distress due to poor water quality and ordered the park to fix the issue – the park appealed while denying its animals were in distress, but later dropped that appeal.
The current status of the provincial probe is unclear, with little information available on action Ontario is taking, and the most recent beluga death has opposition politicians and animal welfare advocates questioning what they see as a lack of transparency from the province.
A spokesman for Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, whose department is responsible for animal welfare across the province, said Animal Welfare Services has conducted more than 200 inspections at the park.
“As has been demonstrated in the past, Animal Welfare Services will not hesitate to issue orders or charges for animal welfare violations at Marineland,” spokesman Hunter Kell wrote in a statement.
Kerzner’s office would not elaborate on what the inspections entailed, nor what orders have been issued, and to what effect.
That’s not enough for the local member of provincial parliament.
The competition watchdog said Wednesday that the ongoing investigation into the Canadian furniture retailers looks at three kinds of marketing practices.
The $7.28 billion budget unveiled by Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante includes a promise to increase the city's housing department budget by $100 million over the next three years.
The union representing port supervisors in British Columbia is challenging the legal and constitutional authority of the federal labour minister to order them back to work.
Randy Boissonnault is out of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s federal cabinet after months of controversy surrounding his former business.
A volunteer group has donated $60,000 to KHSC’s KidsInclusive as it winds down after 119 years, ensuring support for children’s care over the next five years.
Queen’s University will install North America’s first carbon-sequestering field turf at Nixon Field, enhancing sustainability while supporting sports and research.
Gerry Lichty, North Frontenac mayor, was elected 2025 Frontenac County warden. He aims to tackle rural challenges, with Bill Saunders as deputy warden.
Quebec Premier François Legault says the Sûreté du Québec, the province's police force, will 'conduct visual investigations at the borders.'
When people pass by the white-pillared Beaverbrook Art Gallery starting this weekend, they will be greeted by one of Fredericton's most famous sculptures.
The Toronto Santa Clause Parade faces financial challenges but, with public and government support, they are working hard to secure its future and keep the magic alive.
Governance in Yukon's second-largest municipality has been at a standstill since its newly elected mayor and council refused to pledge allegiance to King Charles.