Bill S-5: Strengthening Environmental Protection for a Healthier Canada Act passed third reading in the Senate with amendments following Committee consideration (see Issue 18 Spotlights, Legislative Updates). Amendments were accepted, including several seeking to restrict toxics testing on vertebrate animals, and mandate the government to develop a plan to reduce animal testing and move toward alternative, animal-free methods. This includes a provision that the government shall not generate data or conduct investigations using vertebrate animals only if it is not possible to obtain data using alternative methods, and a provision that the government will develop and implement methods to replace, reduce, or refine the use of vertebrate animals. With passage through the Senate, the next step for the Bill is an introduction to the House of Commons, where it will have to pass further consideration before becoming law. Read the progress of the Bill here, and read the amended text of the Bill here.