Fisheries and Aquaculture
May 29, 2009
Appreciation Expressed for Governor
General�s Support of Sealing Industry
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today
expressed its appreciation of Governor General Michaelle Jean in showing
her support of the Canadian seal harvest. The Governor General recently
ate a piece of seal heart while visiting Rankin Inlet in Nunavut.
"Our government is pleased to see the Governor General
show her support for Aboriginal peoples in Canada, while demonstrating
respect for Aboriginal culture and traditions," said the Honourable Tom
Hedderson, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "The seal harvest is
an important part of many Aboriginal communities and we appreciate the
Governor General�s move to show fellowship and respect for the
traditions and cultures of our Inuit communities."
The seal harvest is also a critical component of the
survival of coastal communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Approximately 6,000 people regularly participate in the harvest.
Including secondary processing activity, the provincial sealing industry
has been valued at up to $60 million a year.
"While we are pleased to see the Governor General
recognize that the Canadian seal harvest is essential to Aboriginal
culture and tradition, it is important to realize that coastal people in
this province also have a rich heritage, of which sealing is a vitally
important component," said Minister Hedderson.
Sealers have reported that up to 35 per cent of their
income is derived from the sealing industry.
"The sealing industry is a vital part of many coastal
communities throughout Canada and it is conducted in a humane and
sustainable manner," said Minister Hedderson. "Our government will
continue to support the industry and we thank the Governor General for
her support."
- 30 -