Along with ethical concerns, researchers say they also worry about the risks of transmission of zoonotic pathogens that could be associated with transporting macaques. (Wong Maye-E/The Associated Press)
Dozens of scientists, including renowned environmentalist David Suzuki, have called on the Canadian government to stop the import of endangered long-tailed macaques from Cambodia for medical research in Quebec. The 80 signatories, including doctors, researchers, and students, argue that testing on these primates should be halted due to ethical concerns and the risk of public health threats.
Activist, scientist and retired broadcaster David Suzuki is among those urging the federal government to halt the importation of long-tailed macaques. (Anand Ram/CBC)
The letter, addressed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, and Quebec’s Premier François Legault, highlights that the use of chimpanzees in research ended a decade ago due to ethical, financial, and scientific concerns. The researchers also warn of the dangers of zoonotic diseases, which could be spread by transporting these macaques into Canada. They are urging the federal government to halt charter flights bringing the animals into the country and to introduce regulations banning all primate imports for biomedical research.
This appeal adds to growing pressure on Ottawa to stop the imports by Charles River Laboratories, a U.S.-based pharmaceutical company with a large facility in Montreal. The company faced scrutiny last year after it halted the import of macaques to the U.S. amid investigations into alleged illegal activities surrounding the transport of wild macaques from Cambodia. While no charges have been filed against the company, imports to Canada sharply increased in 2023, with Statistics Canada reporting a 500% rise in the number of macaques brought into the country.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, 6,769 macaques were imported into Canada between January 2023 and August 2024, valued at approximately $120 million. The government insists that all imports comply with regulations, and the company has not violated Canadian laws. Last month, a cargo flight carrying more macaques arrived in Montreal from Cambodia.
Jesse Greener, a professor at Université Laval and one of the letter’s signatories, believes that advances in medical technology now make animal testing, particularly with primates, unnecessary. Greener and others argue that the use of primates for testing is outdated, inefficient, and unethical. “It’s time we move on from these outdated practices,” said Greener.
While Canada banned animal testing for cosmetics in 2023, live primates can still be used for drug testing. The federal government has introduced a strategy aimed at reducing animal use in toxicity testing, with consultations open until November 2024 and a final plan expected by June 2025. Despite this, Charles River Laboratories maintains that animal testing is still necessary to meet global regulatory requirements for drug development.
The issue has sparked concerns from various groups, including NDP MP Matthew Green, who has called for stronger protections for endangered species and more rigorous enforcement of regulations. The Animal Alliance of Canada has also urged an immediate halt to the importation of macaques from Cambodia.
