Canada demands seal deal
08/05/2009
Canada has threatened to take action against the European Union at the World Trade Organisation unless the European trading bloc grants Canada an exemption when it puts in place a ban on all seal products next year.
The European Parliament voted on May 5 to endorse an EU-wide ban on seal products. However, the Canadian government has argued that bags, shoes, hats and coats made from Canadian seal pelts should be exempt. It says Canada's 350-year-old hunt is crucial for around 6,000 North Atlantic fishermen who rely on trade in seal pelts for up to 35% of their annual income.
Ottawa authorised the slaughter of 338,000 seals this year, insisting the hunt does not threaten the species. Canada's trade minister, Stockwell Day, said: "If the EU imposes a trade ban on seal products it must contain an exemption for any country, like Canada, that has strict guidelines in place for humane and sustainable sealing practices. If there is no such acceptable exemption, Canada will challenge the ban at the World Trade Organisation."
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