St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador– The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today that the Government of Canada will be taking the next step in its challenge of the European Union’s ban on trade in seal products by seeking the establishment of a World Trade Organization dispute settlement panel to hear the case. Regulations to implement the ban are coming into force on August 20, 2010.
“We have made representations at all levels of the EU to inform them that the Canadian seal hunt is sustainable, humane and closely monitored,” said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. “Our government will continue to counter the misinformation campaign by the anti-seal hunt lobby groups, and we will continue to defend the interests and livelihoods of Canadian sealers.”
“Canada is deeply disappointed that the EU is severely restricting the importation and sale of seal products,” said the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade. “Canada has serious questions about the consistency of the EU regulation with its World Trade Organization (WTO) obligations. That’s why we intend to request the establishment of a dispute settlement panel to address the matter as soon as possible.”
“Sealing is a lawful activity that helps provide jobs in remote coastal communities where few economic opportunities exist,” added the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, and Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency. “It has also been an important part of the Inuit way of life for centuries.”
For more information about sealing in Canada, visit www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/seal, and for more information about Canada’s actions at the WTO, visit: http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/dispu_e/cases_e/ds400_e.htm
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Nelson Kalil
Media Relations
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-990-7537
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
613-992-3474
NR-HQ-10-41E
