Hunting is a fact of life for many Canadians, especially our First Nations and Inuit.  Seals, who are in abundance in Canadian waters, represent an important source of food and income for many.  The seal harvest provides food, fur, leather, oil, and handicrafts.  In fact, Canadians who take Omega-3 capsules to prevent and treat hypertension, diabetes, arthritis and other health problems, may be taking small daily doses of seal oil. 

Liberal senators support the people in remote communities who depend on the seal hunt.  In most sealing communities, other sources of revenue are rare and rates of unemployment are up to 30% higher than the national average.  For them, the seal harvest is essential to survival.  For many Aboriginal communities, the seal hunt is an essential part of their identity, their culture and tradition.

Liberal senators also support efforts to ensure that the seal hunt is humane.  A study by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association found that virtually all seals hunted were in fact killed humanely.  It is also important to note that the seal population is healthy and abundant and that the seal hunt is carried out according to sound conservation principles and is regulated by the Government of Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans.