Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Reacts to
Possible Seal Trade Restrictions by Russia

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is extremely disappointed to hear that the governments of Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan may implement restrictions on the trade of harp seal products. While information remains to be clarified, if such action is being contemplated, it would be unnecessary and would violate international trade agreements.

“It seems these governments may have been misled about the Canadian sealing industry by radical and unethical anti-harvesting organizations,” said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “This is a very serious matter with huge implications for the industry. Our government has expressed its concerns to the Government of Canada and urged action to be taken against any proposed restrictions on the trade of harp seal products. The Canadian sealing industry is humane, sustainable and legal. The harp seal population has been abundant for decades. The resource is healthy and sustainable; and the harvest is an important element of marine ecosystem management. Those who are informed with the facts know that the Canadian harvest is one of the world's best managed harvest of wild animals and provides important income for sealers both here and in other parts of the country.”

The Provincial Government has requested that the Government of Canada take immediate and decisive action to protect the legitimate interests of Canadian sealers. Specifically, the Provincial Government has asked the Federal Government to request Prime Minister Putin immediately place a hold on any measures that would prevent harp seal products from entering Russia, with similar requests to President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus, and President Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan.

If these countries take measures to unfairly restrict trade in seal products, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is calling on the Government of Canada to take action within the World Trade Organization (WTO), the same as it is doing against the European Union.

“In the interest of cooperative trade relations, and informed decision making, the governments of Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan should consult with Canada and other sealing nations on this serious international trade issue,” said Minister King. “I welcome any discussions that will see the facts getting full consideration prior to any decision on trade restrictions.”

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Media contacts:
Bradley Power
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 699-5707
bradleypower@gov.nl.ca    

2011 12 23             2:30 p.m.