NEWS RELEASES
CANADA WELCOMES EUROPEAN APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL HUMANE TRAPPING STANDARDS
July 22, 1997 No. 119
CANADA WELCOMES EUROPEAN APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT ON
INTERNATIONAL HUMANE TRAPPING STANDARDS
International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi today welcomed a decision by the
European General Affairs Council to approve the Agreement on International Humane
Trapping Standards.
"This is a very positive achievement for animal welfare and an excellent
resolution to a long-standing trade irritant between Canada and the European Union
(EU). Together, we have shown that it is possible to develop an agreement that
accommodates both environmental and trade considerations," said Mr. Marchi.
This ambitious agreement lays down stringent and scientifically-based standards
for all trapping methods involving mechanical devices used to catch 19 species of
wild mammals, regardless of the reasons for their capture, whether for pest
control, conservation, fur or food. Parties to the agreement will be obliged to
prohibit trapping methods that do not comply with these standards within an
established time frame.
"Conclusion of this agreement will ensure the viability of an important industry
that employs many thousands of workers in both Canada and the EU. It will also
have particular significance for a large number of Aboriginal people in Canada,
many of whom played a vital role in conveying the importance of the fur industry
to decision makers in the EU," added the Minister.
In November 1991, the EU approved a regulation banning the use of jaw-type leghold
traps in the EU as well as the importation of fur and fur products of 13, mainly
North American, species from countries that had not prohibited the use of these
traps or that do not use trapping methods that meet internationally agreed humane
standards. The EU delayed application of the regulation to Canada four times while
negotiations were underway. The General Affairs Council, which is composed of
foreign ministers of the EU countries, announced its decision to approve the
agreement at its meeting today in Brussels.
The fur industry in Canada employs up to 100 000 people -- including approximately
80 000 trappers, of whom close to half are Aboriginal people -- and generates up to
$600 million in economic activity annually. Canada, along with the fur industry,
has already spent $11 million on trap research and development over the past
decade, with the federal government contributing $7 million. Canada is continuing
to work towards the completion and implementation of its own national trapping
standards.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
Lynne Boyer,
Media Relations Office
Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
(819) 997-8404
This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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