Canada to request WTO consultations on Belgium's ban on the importation of seal products

News Release

July 31, 2007
No. 102
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.
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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
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca

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Canada to request WTO consultations on Belgium's ban on the importation of seal products

News Release

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