May 13, 2009 � The Council of the Federation held a conference call
on May 11, 2009 to discuss the proposed trade ban on seal products by
the European Union (EU).
The discussion took place at the request of Newfoundland and Labrador
Premier Danny Williams and Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak.
The Council expressed a strong objection to the EU�s proposed ban
which is not based on fact or on scientific information. The proposed
ban could be inconsistent with World Trade Organization obligations and
with the commitment made by Leaders at the G-20 meeting on April 2, 2009
to refrain from imposing new trade barriers.
The Council indicated its support of the federal government�s public
commitment to take action at the World Trade Organization should the EU
proceed with the proposed ban. The Council also agreed to work with the
federal government to reverse the position of the EU. Failing an
acceptable resolution, it was agreed that this issue will be addressed
during the comprehensive Canada-EU trade negotiations that were launched
on May 6, 2009.
The proposed ban on Canadian seal products by the EU would threaten
the economic viability of the Canadian sealing industry. It would also
have a devastating effect on the livelihood of thousands of Canadians in
the many northern and rural communities that depend on the seal harvest.
The reported exemption for Inuit communities within Canada does not yet
permit commercial sales onto the EU market for pelts harvested by Inuit.
BC Premier Campbell was unable to participate in the conference call
due to the provincial election.
The Council of the Federation is comprised of all 13 provincial and
territorial Premiers. It enables Premiers to work collaboratively to
strengthen the Canadian federation by fostering a constructive
relationship among the provinces and territories, and with the federal
government.
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Media enquiries may be directed to:
Hugo D�Amours
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier of Qu�bec
418-643-5321
hugo.damours@mce.gouv.qc.ca
Loretta O�Connor
Executive Director
Council of the Federation Secretariat
613-563-4066
Loretta@councilofthefederation.ca
