Ottawa, ON – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Member of Parliament, Minister Responsible for the North and Minister of Health is pleased to congratulate Inuit and non-Inuit plaintiffs following a European General Court ruling that confirmed European markets will remain open to Canadian seal products, pending further resolution of an Inuit-led court challenge.

The 16- plaintiff alliance included Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Fur Institute of Canada, Canadian and Greenlandic Inuit organizations and individuals, as well as non-Inuit Canadian and Norwegian sealing companies. “I am pleased to learn of this decision by the European General Court,” said Minister Aglukkaq.

“As a Northerner and a Canadian, I recognize the significant economic and cultural value resonating from the seal hunt. This government continues to back this legitimate industry which is truly an essential way of life for not only Inuit, but all Canadian sealers.”

Our government has been working very hard domestically and at the international level to advocate for sealers and defend against misinformation campaigns of radical animal rights groups. Minister Aglukkaq and her party continue to stand up for the rights of Canadians sealers to provide a livelihood for their families through this lawful, sustainable and humane hunt.

Jenny Van Alstyne
Media Relations Officer
Office of the Hon.Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health
T: 613-957-0200
F: 613-952-1154
jenny_vanalstyne@hc-sc-gc.ca