September 21, 1999
(Executive Council)

Province welcomes federal government's commitment to seek an amendment to U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Walter Noel welcomes news of the federal government's commitment to seek an amendment to the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to allow for importation of Canadian seal products into the United States.

The MMPA, introduced in 1972, called for a moratorium on the importation of marine mammals and marine mammal products into the U.S. on the premise that they were endangered species.

"The premise of the MMPA that seals on the East Coast of Canada were endangered was unfounded when the act passed and remains so today," stated Minister Noel. "Federal recognition of the significance of this issue, and the commitment of the federal government as expressed recently by Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy, are vital components of a coordinated strategy to effect changes within the U.S. legislative system. I am pleased Minister Axworthy has heeded the call of the province and other stakeholders to initiate action to remove this provision, thereby opening a large market to this important resource and allowing us to continue to develop this industry on the basis of full utilization of the resource."

Minister Noel said: "The province has been working closely with representatives from the Canadian sealing industry, aboriginal organizations and other provincial and territorial governments to develop an effective strategy regarding amending the MMPA. We are continuing to work with our federal colleagues on this issue and will provide necessary support and assistance in this regard."

As Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs, Minister Noel is responsible for coordinating the province's relations with federal, provincial, and foreign governments.

Media contact: Lynette Oates, Communications, (709) 729-4023.

1999 09 21                        3:10 p.m.