July 31, 2007 (2:30 p.m. EDT)
No. 102

CANADA TO REQUEST WTO CONSULTATIONS ON

BELGIUM’S BAN ON THE IMPORTATION OF SEAL PRODUCTS

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