Provincial Government Hosts National Seal Products Day

  • Executive Council

May 17, 2018

The Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador recognized National Seal Products Day today with an event hosted by the Provincial Government, and supported by the Government of Nunavut, as well as many industry sponsors. Provincial craft producers gathered to exhibit their seal products as part of a celebration of the economic, cultural, and environmental importance of a sustainable seal hunt.

The event mirrors federal recognition of National Seal Products Day, an occasion that was officially designated by federal law last year, and was created to provide opportunity for craft producers and industry partners to showcase beautiful seal-based products and support the sealing industry.

The occasion was recognized by the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador; the Honourable Paul Quassa, Premier of Nunavut; Speaker of the House of Assembly Perry Trimper; Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Member of Parliament for Labrador Yvonne Jones; Inshore Director of the Fish Food and Allied Workers – Unifor Union Bill Broderick; and Chair of the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador Joan Kane, all of whom spoke to the economic, cultural, and environmental importance of the sealing industry.

Last year, more than 80,000 seals were landed in Newfoundland and Labrador, an increase of 22 per cent over the previous year. Those landings generated $2 million as raw product, and not only created income for harvesters, but also supported more than 50 processing jobs. While generating that value, the seal hunt also helped manage the Northwest Atlantic harp seal population, which is currently estimated to be 7.4 million animals.

Federal recognition of National Seal Products Day will take place in Ottawa later this month.

Quotes
“Sealing and seal products are a source of pride for our province, and hold the promise of even greater social, economic, and environmental benefits in the future as we help people develop a better understanding of the industry, and the sustainable manner in which it is conducted. I commend the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador for organizing this event, and I thank everyone playing a role in advocating for and advancing this important industry both nationally, and around the world.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“We are very excited to be working with various jurisdictions to create an event that celebrates craft producers who work with Sealskin and Seal Products, and the sealing industry. The many talented makers we have as members work tirelessly to promote the education of the Seal Industry and as a result have seen an increase in demand for products from the combined efforts. We thank the Provincial Government for hosting our event, and we applaud all of the efforts of the overall Industry.”
Joan Kane
Chair of the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Learn more 
The Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador – craftcouncil.nl.ca 

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Media contact
Michelle Cannizzaro
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca

2018 05 17 11:50 am