The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, the Minister of Health, and MP of Nunavut is very disappointed with the European Union’s decision to vote in favour of a trade ban on seal products.

“This has huge implications for the North,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “As a Northerner, this issue is near and dear to my heart. I come from an area called Netsilingmiut, also known as the people of the seal. Hunting seal is a way of life. They are valuable sources of food, fuel, shelter and clothing. They also provide income for Inuit who live in communities that have high unemployment.”

The legislation adopted by the EU is based on emotional reactions to publicity campaigns organized by anti-sealing groups. Animal rights activists often base their arguments on baseless accusations and misinformation. There is no scientific basis for concerns about the sustainability of the harp seal population. There is no justification for concerns about animal welfare.

“Our Conservative Government has been working very hard at the international level to advocate for sealers,” said Minister Aglukkaq. “Prime Minister Stephen Harper defended the seal hunt to his European counterparts early on. Federal ministers have raised this issue as well in face to face meetings, by letter and by telephone. I am disappointed that Liberal Senator Mac Harb supports this ban. He is completely disconnected to the realities of people who depend on the seal hunt in the North and in Canada.”

The seal hunt is older than Canada itself. Sealing is an essential way of life. It’s easy for a European Parliamentarian to vote in favour of a trade ban on seal products when it will not affect them. The ban must still be approved by the European Council. Our government has made and will continue to make every effort to persuade the European Union to reverse its stand on this issue.