I am disappointed with the statement released today in the British House of Commons which reinforces inaccurate information concerning Canada’s seal hunt.
Parliamentarians from the UK have received abundant information from Canadian officials that prove the hunt is conducted in a humane manner, including reports done by international, independent veterinarians.
It is important for Canadians to understand that the British statement does not create any sort of ban on seal products, either in the UK, or the European Union itself.
The European Commission has already indicated that it is not prepared to implement such a ban. It has publicly stated that it does not have any concerns from a conservation perspective. It has also told us that it will undertake a thorough assessment of conflicting reports on humane aspects of the hunt to ensure that it gets the fulsome understanding of this matter.
I am pleased with the Commission’s constructive, responsible approach. Ambassador Loyola Sullivan and I look forward to working with it to answer all its questions.
I am confident that when hunting practices are examined in an impartial, scientific fashion, it will confirm what we have been saying all along: that the hunt is conducted in a humane manner.
I will continue to work with my federal colleagues and my provincial and territorial counterparts to advance Canada’s position on the international scene concerning this important issue.
Loyola Hearn
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans
 |
|
-30-
|
|
|
|
FOr more
Information: |
|
|
Steve Outhouse
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Ottawa
613-992-3474 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top of Page |
|
