Fisheries and Aquaculture
July 24, 2008Newfoundland and Labrador Extremely Disappointed with
Recent Action by EU Commission to Move Forward With Proposed Seal Ban
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
2008 07 24 12:10 p.m.