The Provincial Government is today expressing its extreme disappointment with the latest action by the European Union (EU) Commission to move forward with the implementation of a proposed ban on all seal imports.

Yesterday the EU Commission adopted a proposal for a regulation to ban all trading and transhipment of seal products through the EU. This regulation has no immediate effect on the Canadian seal harvest, but could be passed into law following a vote in the fall of 2008.

"It is very disappointing to see the EU Commission continue to cast aspersions on the Canadian seal harvest after its own report of December of 2007, prepared by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), found the harvest to be one of the most humane in the world," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, acting Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "This proposed ban is based on the false impression that seals are harvested in an inhumane manner. Our seal harvest is one of the best managed harvests in the world, and it is time for the EU to develop legislation based on fact, rather than on the thoughts and opinions of animal rights activists and a misinformed general public."

The Canadian commercial seal harvest is one of the best managed marine mammal harvests in the world. It is based on humane harvesting methods, with zero tolerance for inhumane practices. The humaneness of the harvest is further supported scientifically with the findings of the Malouf Commission and the Independent Veterinarians Working Group of 2005. Notwithstanding these findings, the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Paul Okalik, Premier of Nunavut, have expressed a willingness to ban the hakapik due to its visual implications.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has continuously educated European parliamentarians about the realities of the harvest through visits, information kits and advocacy missions.

"Despite our ongoing efforts, it is clear that the EU Commission is simply pandering to anti-sealing organizations and that this trade action is being considered with total disregard for the livelihood of over 6,000 individuals in this province," said Minister Taylor. "It is disconcerting to witness a professional bureaucracy act in a politically-motivated fashion. The EU must remember that Canada remains one of its strongest trading partners and that inappropriate action should be met with negative consequences.

"Notwithstanding the diplomatic caution offered by the Federal Government, it remains our position that the Government of Canada must commit to taking immediate and forceful action through the WTO, if the EU, or any of its member states, implements a ban on the importation of seal products from Canada, with or without exemption options (derogation). It is unacceptable that the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans would be willing to accept exemption measures when sealers in this province have done nothing wrong and when it has been proven time and time again that this harvest is conducted in a very humane and sustainable manner. We have been calling on the Federal Government to prepare for trade action for months and to date they have been absolutely non-committal."

Minister Taylor added that the seal harvest is a top priority for the Provincial Government.

"The Newfoundland and Labrador seal harvest remains an integral part of the rural economy," said Minister Taylor. "Over the last three years, this industry, based on humane and sustainable harvesting, has contributed over $120 million to the provincial economy. We will continue to support this industry on the global stage and address injustices such as that currently under consideration by the European Union."

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Media contact:
Lori Lee Oates
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 690-8403
oatesll@gov.nl.ca