Brussels, 06/05/2009 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament vote that took the EU closer to a virtually total ban on trade in seal products from 2010 (see EUROPE 9895) has been met with deep disappointment and the most serious concern by Canada, which has no intention of letting matters lie. Not surprisingly, on Tuesday 5 May, the Canadian government immediately repeated its threat to refer the decision to the WTO in defence, on the international stage, of seal hunting which Canada says is humane and sustainable. The Canadian government says that it will take all steps necessary to protect the interests of the Canadian seal industry, to defend the interests of the hunters, to maintain market access for Canadian seal products and to build new markets.
“The decision by the European Parliament lacks any basis in facts. The Canadian seal hunt is guided by rigorous animal welfare principles which are internationally recognised by independent observers. I once again caution my European counterparts about the dangers of pursuing politically motivated bans on other countries' traditional industries. Our government will stand up for the jobs and communities that depend on the seal hunt,” said Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Gail Shea. She noted that “a European ban would have a devastating impact on thousands of Canadian families in remote coastal communities who rely on the seal hunt for 25 to 35 per cent of their annual income”. Canadian Minister of International Trade Stockwell Day said: “If the EU imposes a trade ban on seal products, it must contain an exemption for any country, like Canada, that has strict guidelines in place for humane and sustainable sealing practices. If there is no such acceptable exemption, Canada will challenge the ban at the World Trade Organisation,” he warned. Both ministers warned that they would pursue their efforts to counter what they say is a campaign of misinformation being waged by professional anti-seal hunt lobby groups in order to ensure that the decision of the Council would be based on accurate information. The claim of misinformation has been constant in Canada's counter-offensive over the last few years (see EUROPE 9635 and 9395). (A.N./transl.rt)