Federal Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson says Marineland’s request for funds to help care for 30 belugas is “inappropriate.”
The Niagara Falls attraction warns that without the funds, the whales will have to be euthanized.
Marineland had originally requested permits to export the whales to China but were denied, which was followed by the request for federal help to feed the animals.
She says Ottawa denied the permits under federal law that was strengthened in 2019 to prevent further exploitation of beluga whales. “So, frankly for Marineland to immediately respond with a request for federal funding is inappropriate.”
St. Catherine’s MP Chris Bittle took to X accusing Marineland of mismanagement and threatening to euthanize the animals to leverage federal funds – essentially accusing Marineland of a shakedown. Thompson says Marineland is responsible for the care of the belugas.
Marineland requested federal approval to sell beluga whales to a facility in China. The Minister of Fisheries has rightly denied that request. pic.twitter.com/qAt0BX9ufD — Chris Bittle (@Chris_Bittle) October 1, 2025
“Chris uses his language and I’m using mine,” Thompson told reporters in Ottawa yesterday. “Marineland has a role to play here, and we need to ensure that they follow through on that.” She says the province of Ontario also has a role as oversight for the animals’ wellbeing.
[SRC] https://vocm.com/2025/10/07/thompson-denies-marinelands-request-for-funding-to-care-for-belugas/
