July 31, 2007 (2:30 p.m. EDT)
No. 102

CANADA TO REQUEST WTO CONSULTATIONS ON BELGIUM'S BAN ON THE
IMPORTATION OF SEAL PRODUCTS

The Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of International Trade,
the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and
Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the
Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today
announced that the Government of Canada will seek formal
consultations under the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute
settlement process to address Belgium's ban on the importation and
marketing of seal products.

"This government believes that the Belgian ban on the importation
and marketing of seal products is a violation of Belgium's
international trade obligations under the WTO," said Minister
Emerson. "We will work with the European Union and Belgium to seek a
positive resolution to this issue."

"Sealing is an important way of life for many Canadians, including
Inuit and other Aboriginal peoples," said Minister Hearn. "It is
important that we pursue these consultations to maintain access to
markets for all those involved in the sealing industry."

"We have continually conveyed our opposition to this ban through our
embassy in Brussels and at the highest levels," said Minister MacKay.
"It is regrettable that we have had to come to this point, but
Canada's government will fight bans of this kind on all fronts-
people's livelihoods are at stake."

Belgian legislation banning the importation and marketing of seal
products entered into force in April 2007. WTO consultations would
be a step toward encouraging Belgium to comply with its
international commitments. If consultations do not settle the
dispute, Canada could request the establishment of a WTO panel to
adjudicate the case.

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Jennifer Chiu
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the
Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics
613-992-7332

Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada 613-996-2000
http://www.international.gc.ca

Jennifer Kelly
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537

Natalie Cruikshank
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474