Minister Hearn Applauds Sealing Celebrations

March 15, 2008
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For far too long, anti-sealing groups have tried to shine a negative spotlight on Canada’s legal and humane seal hunts and in doing so have needlessly tarnished the reputations of our coastal communities, and our country. Their arguments, based largely on questionable studies and emotional rhetoric, have only succeeded in uniting federal, provincial, territorial and commercial efforts to defend this important cultural tradition and economic driver along Canada’s eastern and northern coasts.

I applaud the efforts of industry, as well as the governments of Nunavut, and Newfoundland and Labrador to up the ante in addressing the unfounded claims of anti-sealing groups. Through celebrations that acknowledge our sealing heritage we are succeeding in getting the real story about humane and sustainable sealing out to the public.

Today is not only a day to celebrate the important contribution that sealing makes to the success of fishing families, it is when we must ensure the truth about sealing is heard clearly around the world – above the din of anti-sealing misinformation.

The Government of Canada stands up for Canadian sealers and will continue to defend their interests at home and on the world stage. We continue to make improvements to our hunts using the best available science. We are challenging unlawful bans on Canadian seal products in Europe at the World Trade Organization and we will consider all available options to ensure the long-term sustainability of the hunt well into the future.

For more Information:

Phil Jenkins
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-990-7537

Joshua Zanin
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-992-3474