The ban was approved by a vote of 550- 49. It comes as Prime Minister Stephen Harper begins negotiations on a free-trade deal with the European Union (E.U.).
European Union Wants Higher Animal Welfare Standards
The European Union (E.U.) says it wants to encourage higher standards for animal welfare, and that is where the idea to ban seal-based products comes from. The E.U. argues that the seal ban will achieve this end by discouraging the sale of products made from seals killed in a manner that causes pain and suffering.
The legislation calls the seal hunt inhumane. In remarks published by the New York Times, Britain’s Green Party Leader Caroline Lucas agrees calling the seal hunt “one of the most vile examples of animal cruelty.”
Canadian officials disagree. In remarks published by ctv.ca International Trade Minister Stockwell Day argues an exception should be made for Canada, because: “Canada follows international guidelines and best practices.”
Products made by seals hunted by Natives or by-products from tightly regulated hunts are exempt from the ban. Inuit people in Northern Canada, and Greenland will still be able to hunt on a small-scale to cull the population.
Canada has the world’s largest seal with an annual harvest of around 3 hundred thousand-harp seals resulting in over $5.5 million in exports to the European Union.
Canada To Challenge Ban, Trade Talks Begin
Canada intends to challenge the ban. Six thousand atlantic Canadians rely on the seal hunt as a livelihood, and the federal government argues it could prove economically destructive for the region. In comments published on ctv.ca. International Trade Minister Stockwell Day boiled it down to the individual cost: “If you’re one of the 6,000 families who are being affected, you would call it disastrous.”
Some federal officials blame the influence of special interest groups. In comments published on ctv.ca Fisheries& Oceans Minister Gail Shea hinted the ban might not be based on evidence: “Politicians will tell you privately this isn’t a decision based on fact, this is a decision based on emotion.” Trade experts say Canada could win an appeal.
Word of the ban came as Prime Minister Stephen Harper arrived in the Chezch Republic to begin negotiating a free-trade trade deal. In comments published by the Canadian Press, he promised to defend the seal hunt against both domestic and foreign authorities: “Canada will both domestically and in front of foreign tribunals vigorously defend our seal hunt.” Harper’s comments continued as he admitted the seal hunt was an issue on which likely Europe and Canada would never agree.
With a collective worth of $19.5 trillion, the European Union is Canada’s second largest export market. The idea of a free-trade deal with the E.U. was first mentioned during the last federal election.
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